IVORY COAST fans have been BANNED from the World Cup after visas were denied.
The team’s national supporters’ committee confirmed they had learned of the decision on Thursday, just days before they were due to watch the side face in the group opener.
Ivory Coast fans have been denied visas to attend the World Cup Credit: Getty
It comes as the latest border controversy ahead of the tournament Credit: Getty
In a statement, the organisation’s president, Julien Kouadio Adonis, said: “The supporters have cancelled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including , on its soil.
“The United States has been clear with us, saying they do not want to see our supporters.
“This situation hurts us deeply because it prevents us from fulfilling our sacred duty, which is to support our team.”
Ivory Coast’s National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE) had been hopeful of taking more than 500 to the tournament.
Emerse Fae’s men are also slated to play and .
And Adonis has spoken out against ‘s clampdown, adding: “It’s a form of segregation that doesn’t dare speak its name, but the proof is there.
“No European country has faced this kind of restriction. Why Africa?”
It comes with four of the competing World Cup nations – , , , and Ivory Coast – .
This is far from the only visa issue of the week, though, .
but the White House has defended its controversial call.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force at the World Cup, said: “There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason.”
He held a valid visa but was held at border control after additional screening.
Unspecified “vetting concerns” allegedly linked him to individuals linked to suspected unnamed terrorist organisations.
Iran officials and staff have also been denied after some supporter tickets were revoked.
On that, Giuliani added: “There are some people that claim that they are coaches that may not be coaches.”
He continued: “We’re striking that balance between making sure that any bad actors that try to come into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not get access to the United States.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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