The president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), Julien Kouadio Adonis, revealed on Thursday that home-based fans of the Ivory Coast have been denied visas to the United States, preventing them from attending the upcoming World Cup matches. This development comes amid growing concerns over the entry policies implemented by the host country as the tournament approaches.
In recent days, diplomatic tensions surrounding the event’s visa issuance have intensified. Earlier this week, Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States, while several members of the Iranian team’s support staff faced similar restrictions. These incidents highlight the strict immigration stance that has also directly impacted the Ivorian fanbase.
Supporters’ Hopes Dashed Ahead of Group Stage Matches
Julien Kouadio Adonis, who leads the CNSE under the guidance of the country’s Ministry of Sport, explained that their committee is responsible for arranging travel for the relatively small number of away supporters who follow the national team abroad. However, the recent visa denials have forced the cancellation of planned trips to the United States.
“The supporters have canceled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, on its soil,” Kouadio stated. “The United States has been clear with us, saying they do not want to see our supporters.” He added that this exclusion deeply saddens the committee as it obstructs their fundamental role of backing the national team during crucial matches.
The Ivory Coast squad is scheduled to play two of their three group games in Philadelphia: against Ecuador on June 15 and Curacao on June 25. Sandwiched between these fixtures is an away match in Toronto against Germany. Prior to the visa complications, Kouadio had expressed optimism in March that around 500 fans would make the journey across the Atlantic to support their team.
Despite these setbacks, a limited number of CNSE officials have reportedly received authorization to travel, though the majority of supporters remain barred from attending the matches on American soil. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by international fans in navigating complex visa regulations amid a globally anticipated sporting event.