Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo signs with UCV FC for Torneo Clausura

International goalkeeper Rafael Romo, 36, has returned to Venezuelan football by signing with Universidad Central de Venezuela Football Club (UCV FC) ahead of the Torneo Clausura of the Liga FUTVE. The veteran, a regular for the Venezuela national team in South American World Cup qualifiers, ends an eleven‑year spell abroad that included stints at Udinese (Italy), Watford (England), Beerschot and Oud‑Heverlee Leuven (Belgium), Silkeborg (Denmark), AEL Limassol and APOEL (Cyprus), D.C. United (USA) and most recently Universidad Católica (Ecuador). Romo’s experience is expected to bolster UCV FC’s defensive line and help the club compete for top positions in the league.

The signing was announced by UCV FC on 4 August 2026 and marks Romo’s first appearance in the Venezuelan Primera División since his early career with Atlético Turén, Llaneros de Guanare, Estudiantes de Mérida and Mineros de Guayana.