Senegal football federation confident despite fan visa denials for World Cup in US
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, expressed confidence in Senegal's World Cup performance despite US authorities denying visas to their supporters. Senegal is among several nations whose fans face travel restrictions to the US, the co-host of this year's tournament. The Lions of Teranga are scheduled to play their first two group games in New Jersey against France and Norway. Sow acknowledged the regrettable situation, noting that FIFA was aware of the US laws and regulations that prevent many Senegalese and African fans from attending. This marks Senegal's first World Cup appearance without an official fan group funded by the government. Sow emphasized that while the absence of the "12th man" is felt, the match will be won on the pitch. Senegal, ranked 16th globally and led by Sadio Mane, is eager to begin their campaign. The team is also awaiting the outcome of their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title, a controversy that followed their victory against Morocco. Sow stated that Senegal remains the champions of Africa until the CAS decision, but their current focus is solely on the World Cup.
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