World Cup Manager Speaks Out as Donald Trump Blocks Visa for 75 Nations
Ivory Cost coach Emerse Fae has released a statement after Donald Trump named the country on his travel ban list.
In less than five months, the biggest competition in football is set to get underway as the 2026 World Cup kicks off across North America.
Canada and Mexico will each host 13 of the record 104 matches set to be played at the World Cup, with the United States of America hosting the remaining 78, including all of the knockout fixtures.
But recent decisions from US President Trump has led to some calling for the country's place as hosts to be questioned, with Trump implementing travel restrictions on 75 different nations.
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Among the 75 nations facing Trump's new ruling is the Ivory Coast, forcing head coach Fae to speak out amid fears fans may not be able to travel to the World Cup this summer.
In December, prominent African nations Senegal and Ivory Coast were among the countries added to the list of countries facing partial entry restrictions into the United States.
The new regulations essentially mean that for those without pre-existing visas, travel to the US to watch the World Cup is no longer possible.
An exception for players, team officials and immediate relatives is included in the regulations, but no allowance exists for supporters, who are understandably concerned.
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However, Ivory Coast coach Fae remains optimistic that solution can be found for supporters ahead of their opening match against Ecuador on June 15.
The manager pointed out that fans had a similar problem ahead of the Africa Cup in Morocco when a visa requirement was introduced before the tournament.
“In the end, everything went very smoothly, and they were able to come as long as they had tickets to see the matches. I think things will be sorted out by the time of the World Cup,” Fae said at the team hotel in Marrakech.
“It’s a celebration, football is a celebration, and for me, it would be a real shame, especially since the World Cup only comes around every four years, it would be a real shame not to let our supporters come and experience this celebration."
Captain Franck Kessie agreed with his manager, suggesting it was up to politicians to help supporters.
He said: “There’s also an events committee managed by the Ivorian Football Federation, so I think together with the government, we’ll put things in place to make it easier for our supporters."
Topics: Donald Trump, Football, Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup
Ben McCrum