DistantNews
Support us
Immigrants, international fans fill void for Senegal supporters denied U.S. visas
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Immigrants, international fans fill void for Senegal supporters denied U.S. visas

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Immigrants and international supporters filled in for Senegalese fans denied U.S. visas for the World Cup opener.
  • Coach Pape Thiaw expressed disappointment over visa issues, while FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had previously assured fans of a welcome.
  • The U.S. has suspended visas for 39 countries, impacting several World Cup participants, raising concerns about inclusivity at the event.

Immigrants and international fans stepped in to support Senegal at their World Cup opener against France, as many of the team's home supporters were unable to attend due to visa denials.

I'm in the bloodiest of the nosebleeds but I hope they can hear me down there on the pitch.

— Jessica AmbresA Brooklyn resident wearing a Senegal shirt and carrying the country's flag, expressing her connection to the African diaspora and disappointment over visa issues.

Head coach Pape Thiaw voiced his expectation for Senegalese fans residing in the U.S. to make their presence felt, following media reports of visa rejections for supporters wishing to attend the tournament. Jessica Ambres, a Brooklyn resident wearing a Senegal shirt, expressed her disappointment, stating, "Being one of the host countries of this competition, it's kind of disheartening to see how we've been treating citizens of the world."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously sought to alleviate concerns, assuring that "The world is welcome in America." However, immigration issues have been a notable storyline at the World Cup, with the U.S. denying entry to a Somali referee and facing criticism over visa processing for teams like Iran.

The world is welcome in America.

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA chief commenting on welcoming fans to the United States during the FIFA Congress.

The U.S. has suspended travel visas for 39 countries, including World Cup participants Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. This has affected fans and officials, with Mahmoud Toure, who moved to the U.S. from Senegal 25 years ago, sharing his frustration: "The way I got my ticket, a friend of mine (in Senegal) got a ticket through the lottery via FIFA - he couldn't make it because he didn't get a visa. That's how bad it is."

The way I got my ticket, a friend of mine (in Senegal) got a ticket through the lottery via FIFA - he couldn't make it because he didn't get a visa. That's how bad it is.

— Mahmoud ToureA Senegalese immigrant in the U.S. explaining the difficulty of obtaining a visa for the World Cup.

Despite the challenges, supporters present vowed to make their voices heard. Ranmalee Dias, who supports Senegal from Manhattan, noted, "Luckily, though, we have a little Senegal in New York." Senegal's next match is against Norway.

Luckily, though, we have a little Senegal in New York.

— Ranmalee DiasA fan living in Manhattan expressing her support for Senegal despite the challenges faced by home fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog