Senegal aim to overcome ‘regrettable’ absence of fans denied World Cup visas

Senegal's national football team faces the World Cup with a significant handicap: the "regrettable" absence of their vocal supporters, who have been denied visas by US authorities. The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, stated that while the team is confident in its ability to perform, the inability of many Senegalese and African fans to attend the tournament due to strict US immigration rules is a major disappointment.

“

It is true that this World Cup is particularly difficult, but you know every country is a sovereign power and has its own rules.

"It is really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States and we have to respect them," Sow told AFP from the team's base. Senegal is participating in its fourth World Cup, but this is the first time they will compete without an official fan group traveling at the government's expense. The team, known as the Lions of Teranga, will play their opening group games in the US, starting against France and then Norway.

“

The United States has its own laws and regulations and these laws mean that –- unlike European countries for example -– we are not able to benefit from the support of many Senegalese people, and many African people, who wanted to come.

Sow acknowledged that African nations are disproportionately affected by these visa restrictions. "It is obvious that the African countries are impacted," he said, highlighting that Senegal, one of a record 10 African teams at the expanded tournament, is accustomed to having the "12th man" behind them. "Senegal have been used to having the 12th man behind them. We will be denied that," he added.

“

It is really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States and we have to respect them.

Despite the setback, Sow emphasized that the team's focus remains on the pitch. "And in any case the match will be won on the pitch. And the supporters will not be on the pitch." Ranked 16th in the world and still led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal is considered a dangerous outsider in the competition. Their best World Cup performance was reaching the quarter-finals in 2002, followed by a last-16 appearance in Qatar four years ago.

“

It is obvious that the African countries are impacted. Senegal have been used to having the 12th man behind them. We will be denied that.