The United States will co-host this summer’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
US President Donald Trump (Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
FIFA is reportedly asking President Donald Trump’s administration to make an exception to avoid players being forced to pay deposits ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The United States will join Canada and Mexico in hosting this summer’s tournament, with England one of several countries aiming to win the trophy.
With three months to go until the tournament, FIFA has called on President Trump and his administration to make an exception for players forced to pay deposits to enter the United States.
The Visabond Pilot Program was introduced by the Trump administration and will go into effect from April 2nd, affecting 50 countries around the world.
Nationals of these countries must post bail of up to $15,000 (£11,200) if they wish to enter the United States on business or tourist visas, known as B-1 and B-2 visas.
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Five of the 50 countries eligible for the Visabond Pilot Program will be participating in this summer’s World Cup. Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast are on the list and have qualified for this summer’s tournament, with fans from each country expected to travel to the United States.
The terms and conditions of the Visa Bond Pilot Program do not specify whether exceptions will be granted, but do state that there is “no procedure” for applying for bond forgiveness.
According to The Athletic, FIFA is currently pressuring the Trump administration to introduce bond forgiveness for members of affected countries, including players, coaches, support staff and federation executives.
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The report also cited the US State Department’s response to suggestions that FIFA was trying to persuade the US government to change course ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
“Visa processing rules, policies and procedures are established in Washington, D.C.,” a US State Department spokesperson said, adding that the US government “continues to work strongly with FIFA in support of the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
This summer’s World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada (Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel helped oversee England’s perfect qualifying campaign as they prepare to cross the Atlantic for this summer’s World Cup.
The Three Lions are one of 48 countries taking part in the first edition of the expanded World Cup, with group games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama scheduled for the summer.
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