Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko revealed that his country scrapped a planned training program for the national women’s basketball team in the U.S. due to visa rejections.
Trump’s Travel Ban and Senegal
The cancellation follows President Donald Trump’s travel ban for 12 countries, excluding Senegal, citing security concerns. Trump later warned 36 African countries to enhance traveler vetting within 60 days.
Visa Denials and Response
Senegal, on Trump’s warning list, faced visa denials for the basketball team members. Sonko instructed moving the training to Dakar instead of the U.S.
Reasons Behind Visa Refusals
The specific reasons for visa denials remain unclear, with the State Department citing confidentiality. This incident isn’t the first time Trump’s policies affected sports.
Impact on Sporting Events
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S. and neighbors, faces challenges due to Trump’s policies. Human Rights Watch urged FIFA to reconsider hosting to ensure safety amid immigration crackdown.
Trump Administration’s Stance
Despite concerns, the administration remains firm on hosting international events. Trump exempted athletes from the travel ban for major sporting events, emphasizing adherence to immigration rules.
Looking Ahead
As tensions rise, Trump aims to make sporting events more exciting. While exceptions are made for athletes, strict immigration rules apply for event attendees.
Regular updates are crucial to maintain relevance and credibility in the ever-changing landscape of international sports.
