WASHINGTON, June 17 — The United States State Department is working to help the mother of Cape Verde football goalkeeper Vozinha travel to the US to watch her son play at the World Cup, an official said Tuesday.
According to CNN, the move comes after Vozinha revealed following Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday that his mother was unable to attend the match due to visa-related bond requirements she could not afford.
“She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa … the money we have to pay for the visa,” he said after the match. “We didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.”
Cape Verde is among several countries whose citizens are required under current US policy to pay a visa bond of up to US$15,000 (RM61,000) due to concerns over visa overstays.
When asked about the remarks, a State Department official said there was no record of a visa application for the player’s mother and added that relatives of players are generally eligible for bond waivers.
“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 said the player’s mother does not currently have a valid passport and is in the process of obtaining one.
The State Department’s website states that the bond requirement may be waived for athletes and team members — including coaches, support staff and immediate relatives — from countries competing in the Fifa World Cup, provided they meet visa requirements.
Vozinha, 40, who plays in Portugal’s second division, delivered a standout performance with seven saves against Spain in Cape Verde’s opening World Cup match, helping secure a surprise result against the tournament favourites.
Cape Verde next face Uruguay on Sunday in Miami.
