Chilean football league rules changed for Vojinha

Chilean football league rules changed for Vojinha

Sports Desk
Sports Desk

Published: 01:54 1 August 2026

The Chilean Primera Division football league has made an unexpected decision regarding the arrival of Cape Verdean star goalkeeper Vojinha, who caught the eye with his impeccable performance at the World Cup, in Chilean football. The 40-year-old experienced goalkeeper has unanimously relaxed a long-standing rule to get him into their football league. From now on, he has received special permission to use the nickname ‘Vojinha’, which is known worldwide, instead of his real family name on his official jersey.

According to the previous rules of the Chilean top football league, all footballers had to write their family name or surname on their jerseys. However, one of Vojinha's main conditions in the process of joining the traditional Chilean club ‘Colo-Colo’ was to be allowed to use his popular nickname on his jersey. Based on the unanimous consent of the other clubs in the league, the authorities have finally accepted that condition and changed the rules.

However, despite receiving this green signal from the league, the issue of signing a contract with the club is still pending. Although he was supposed to arrive in the Chilean capital Santiago on Tuesday as scheduled, he did not board the scheduled flight at the last minute, citing visa complications and personal reasons. This has created some uncertainty and anxiety among Colo-Colo fans.

However, the club authorities are not at all discouraged by the situation that has arisen. Colo-Colo director Jaime Pizarro and head coach Fernando Ortiz said that they are constantly in touch with Vozinha's agent. The club administration expressed hope that he will come to Chile to officially sign the contract and play on the field after resolving all personal issues soon.

Advertisement