World Cup: Ivory Coast fans banned due to US visa restrictions

USA revokes World Cup tickets from Iranian fans, says the country's Football Federation
The Ivorian National Supporters Committee declared this Thursday (11) that their team will not be able to count on the presence of their fans at the World Cup, as they were unable to obtain visas to enter the United States.
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On the eve of the World Cup, US immigration policy causes uncertainty and fear among fans and professionals from all over the world
In a statement, Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephant Supporters (CNSE, its French acronym), an organization that operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, criticized North American immigration policies:
"The fans gave up traveling because the United States does not want to see fans from certain countries like the Ivory Coast in its territory. The United States was clear with us in saying that it did not want to see our fans."
Two days earlier, the Federation Football Association of Iran (FFIRI) stated that its quota of tickets for the World Cup was withdrawn by the USA.
Ivory Coast players thanking their fans after a friendly against France, in a French stadium, on June 4
REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
American President Donald Trump's strict immigration policy makes it difficult to enter the USA from certain countries and has even affected FIFA delegations and professionals, such as a referee from Somalia who was denied entry allowed in the country last weekend.
Only some CNSE members received authorization to go to the United States.
In addition to the African country, three more teams suffer from the Trump administration's restrictions on their citizens: Iran - which is at war with the country - Haiti and Senegal.
This Wednesday (10), the UN asked the USA to review its immigration policy during the World Cup.
Shortly after, when signing an order that increases funding for immigration enforcement by $70 billion, Trump countered criticism about the effects of his harsh immigration policies and stated:
"We are working to make sure the right people get in."
This Thursday, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, when asked about the issue, stated:
"We presented the case to FIFA and explained the reasons for the refusal to all applicants."

Source: G1