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Universitario Defenders Fail First Naturalization Test, Casting Doubt on Early-Season Roster Plans

Their retake is scheduled for January 30, and administrative processing could delay any status change beyond the start of Liga 1.

Overview

  • Center backs Williams Riveros and Matías Di Benedetto did not pass their initial Peruvian naturalization exam and currently occupy foreign-player slots.
  • A second exam is set for January 30, with journalist Andrea Closa noting there is no fixed timeline for Migraciones to finalize nationality even if they pass.
  • With Liga 1 expected to begin in late January, both players would count as foreigners at the season’s start unless their status is completed earlier.
  • Universitario presently has six foreigners on the roster—Riveros, Di Benedetto, Caín Fara, José Carabalí, Héctor Fértoli and Sekou Gassama—limiting flexibility for registrations and reinforcements.
  • After news of the failed test, the club posted a training photo featuring other defenders on its X account, drawing criticism from sections of the fan base.