Denial of Visas Leaves Moroccan Fans Stranded
In a disheartening turn of events, 40 members of a Moroccan supporters association have been denied visas to the United States as they prepared for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This unfortunate situation has left these devoted fans, who have invested thousands of dollars in match tickets and hotel accommodations, unable to attend the highly anticipated tournament. Azzedine Al Attaraoui, the leader of the Sports Association of Moroccan National Team Fans, shared that out of 42 visa applications submitted by supporters from cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès, and Tétouan, only two were approved, and the reasons for the refusals remain unclear.
Al Attaraoui expressed the frustrations of the supporters, emphasizing their genuine desire to rally behind the Moroccan national team. Historically, this group has consistently demonstrated their loyalty by traveling to significant tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as other events like the Paris Olympics. The fans had meticulously prepared for this journey, ensuring compliance with FIFA regulations, including securing match tickets well in advance. Some fans had purchased tickets for multiple matches at approximately $500 each, amassing total costs around $1,500, not to mention the visa fees, which amounted to 1,800 MAD.
In addition to the ticket expenses, many supporters had booked hotels with nightly rates ranging between $400 and $1,000, leading to total expenditures that could reach upwards of 20,000 MAD when factoring in tickets, visas, travel, and other associated costs. Al Attaraoui has made a heartfelt appeal to FIFA, urging them to take action regarding the visa crisis and requesting assistance from Morocco’s Foreign Ministry to facilitate the fans' travel plans. He stated, "If they asked for financial guarantees, we would do that," highlighting the significant financial losses incurred by supporters whose visa applications were denied.
Impact on Supporters and Call for Intervention
Furthermore, the situation is compounded by similar challenges faced by the Sbouaa (Lions) supporters group, known for their passionate backing of Morocco’s national football team. Mourad Hamana, the founder of this supporters group, reported that nearly 50 of their coordinators, who play a vital role in organizing the fan experience in the stands, applied for US visas, yet only six were granted approval. Hamana stressed that this limited number is insufficient to cultivate the vibrant atmosphere Moroccan fans are celebrated for during international tournaments, which necessitates at least 30 coordinators.
Highlighting the stability of their situations in Morocco, Hamana noted that the majority of applicants have no intention of migrating, yet many were denied under Section 214, which suggests a lack of assurance that applicants will return to their home country after their visit. In light of these challenges, Hamana has also called on Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to take action, recalling earlier instances where Moroccan authorities successfully expedited visa processes for fans traveling to support the U20 national team in Chile.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
