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The Ivory Coast national team will play their World Cup matches without their home fans, who have been unable to secure US visas, the president of the country's national supporters' committee told AFP. Donald Trump's strict anti-immigration policies have created issues for many countries, including members of some teams, as well as Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry despite holding a valid visa.
"Fans have given up on traveling because the American state does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, on its territory. The US was clear with us, stating they don't want our fans," said President Julien Kouadio Adonis.
"This situation brings us pain as it deprives us of the right to support our team. We could have showcased our culture, our passion for supporting from the stands," he lamented. Only a few officials from the country will attend the matches. Ivory Coast had hoped to send at least 500 supporters.
The Ivory Coast team will play two of their three group stage matches in the USA – on June 15 against Ecuador in Philadelphia and on June 25 against Curaçao in the same city. On June 20, the team will play Germany in Toronto. The team will play their World Cup matches without their home fans, who have been unable to secure US visas, the president of the country's national supporters' committee told AFP.
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