Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's remarkable World Cup breakthrough earned him a dream move to Chilean powerhouse Colo-Colo, but the 40-year-old could be forced to leave behind the name that made him a global sensation because of league regulations.
Vozinha, whose heroics for Cape Verde turned him into one of the surprise stars of the World Cup, joined Colo-Colo as a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division club GD Chaves expired earlier this summer. However, Chilean Primera División rules prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys, creating an unexpected obstacle before he has even made his debut.
Unless the regulations are relaxed, the goalkeeper will not be allowed to wear "Vozinha" on his shirt. Instead, he must use part or all of his legal surname, meaning supporters could soon see "Evora," "Dias" or "Evora Dias" across the back of his jersey. His full birth name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias.
Under league rules, clubs that ignore the naming policy risk fines, while the player would automatically receive a yellow card.
Colo-Colo have already appealed for an exemption, hoping to capitalize on the worldwide recognition Vozinha gained during the World Cup.
