According to a CNN report, the US State Department is working to help Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother Ana Candida Evora travel to the United States to watch her son play at the FIFA World Cup.
The development comes after Vozinha revealed following Cape Verde’s stunning draw against Spain on Monday that his mother could not attend the match because of visa-related issues.
“She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa … the money we have to pay for the visa,” Vozinha told reporters. “We didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.”
Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens are subject to a US visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 under a Trump administration policy aimed at reducing visa overstays.
Responding to Vozinha’s comments, a State Department official told CNN there was no record of a visa application from the goalkeeper’s mother. The official also clarified that visa bond requirements are waived for relatives of World Cup players.
“The US Department of State has no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the Department is actively reaching out to this player’s family to assist with visa services,” the official said.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Vozinha’s mother currently does not have a valid passport and is in the process of obtaining one.
The attention surrounding Vozinha follows a remarkable performance in Cape Verde’s World Cup debut. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays in Portugal’s second division, made seven saves to help his side secure a memorable draw against Spain.
Many had expected Cape Verde to suffer a heavy defeat against the European champions, especially after Germany’s 7-1 victory over fellow World Cup debutants Curaçao on Sunday. Instead, Vozinha and his defence frustrated Spain throughout the match, earning what is widely regarded as the most significant result in Cape Verde’s football history.
