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Supporters of two of Africa’s leading football nations have their World Cup aspirations thrown into disarray after the United States imposed a new measure. Travel ban. Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire The United States was added to the list of countries facing partial entry restrictions in December and is a co-host of the upcoming tournament. Canada and Mexico From June 11th to July 19th.
These restrictions are quite frustrating for fans currently following the team Africa Nations Cup in Morocco. For those without pre-existing visaThe new rules effectively block travel to the United States to watch the World Cup.
“I don’t know why the president of the United States would want teams from certain countries not to participate. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t agree to host the World Cup.” Senegal supporter Djibril Gueye told The Associated Press Tangier, Morocco.
“The United States has a responsibility to provide the conditions, means and resources to allow qualified countries to participate so that everyone can support their team,” Gay said.
president Donald Trump cited “screening and review deficiencies” as the main reason for the suspension. fans from Iran and HaitiTwo other countries that have already qualified for the World Cup will also be barred from entering the United States; they were included in the first round of travel bans announced by the Trump administration.
The restrictions include exceptions for players, team officials and immediate family members traveling to the World Cup, but there are no allowances for supporters.
“We really want to get involved but don’t know how,” said Fatou Diedhiou, president of the women’s group. Senegal fan. “Now we are just waiting because the World Cup is not here yet and maybe they will change their mind. We don’t know. We’ll see.”
Cheikh Sy supported Senegal at last World Cup in Qatar and is determined to find a way to the U.S.
“We have been everywhere with our team because we are national fans of Senegal,” he said. “So, now that Senegal has qualified for the World Cup, we absolutely have to go.”
Senegal, which reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, will play its first World Cup match at MetLife Stadium. new jersey Objection on June 16 Francefour days before facing Norway In the same stadium. The last game of the group stage is toronto June 26 against playoff winner Bolivia, Surinam and Iraq.
Cote d’Ivoire There are also two games in the United States, the opener is Ecuador in Philadelphia on June 14, and finished the group qualifying period against Curacao on June 25 after a match against Germany. toronto.
Cote d’Ivoire Coach Emerse Faé is optimistic a solution can be found for supporters. He noted that Ivorian fans faced similar obstacles when traveling to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations, as visa requirements were introduced ahead of the tournament.
“In the end, everything went well, as long as they had tickets to watch the games they could come. I think by the time of the World Cup things will be sorted out,” Fae told The Associated Press at the team hotel in Marrakech.
“It’s a celebration, football is a celebration and for me it would be a real shame, especially with the World Cup happening every four years, it would be a real shame not to allow our supporters to come and experience this celebration,” Fee said.
Limited support
Senegal and Ivory Coast face the prospect of playing with only limited support from fans who are legal residents of the United States, already hold visas or hold dual citizenship from countries not affected by the travel ban.
Ivory Coast winger Jan Diomande said there was nothing the players could do. This is not their country and their focus is only on what is happening on the pitch.
“It’s okay for us, we can play without supporters,” Diomande told The Associated Press. “The most important thing is to win every game and fight for every game.”
team leader Frank Casey Agreed, saying it was up to politicians to find solutions.
“There is also a tournament committee run by the Ivory Coast Football Federation, so I think we will put in place measures together with the government to make it easier for our supporters,” Kessie said.
The travel ban is not the only obstacle facing fans in Ivory Coast and Senegal hoping to attend the World Cup.
A Senegalese fan wearing a lion mask said he could travel to the United States because he also has French citizenship, but he would not go there due to “issues of political conviction” and the high cost of tickets.
“My impression is that it’s all about the business world. They’ve completely ignored the grassroots aspect,” said the fan, who goes by simply “Pape.”
Speaking in Casablanca, Ivory Coast supporter Tam de Top said she was concerned the team would get little support in the United States because few Ivorian supporters could afford tickets.
“Even without the ban issue, I don’t think many people would go to the World Cup because it’s a bit expensive,” De Top said.
