FIFA is pressuring the Trump administration to exempt players from paying the $15,000 deposit before the World Cup

The US visa crisis has taken a new turn, with reports revealing that FIFA has escalated its efforts by directly pressuring the Trump administration to secure special exemptions for national team players and official delegations. This comes amid growing concerns about the potential for complicated entry procedures before the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic reports that these behind-the-scenes efforts reflect genuine concern within FIFA that the restrictions imposed under the “Visa Guarantee” program could extend to official delegations, potentially posing an unprecedented organizational and logistical challenge to the tournament.

According to Reuters, the Trump administration has implemented a pilot program requiring citizens of approximately 50 countries to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 to obtain tourist or business visas. These deposits are refundable only upon completion of the required stay. This move aims to curb illegal overstays, but it also opens the door to direct repercussions for the world’s biggest football event.

FIFA — football concerns and behind-the-scenes moves

Through discreet efforts, FIFA is attempting to contain the crisis and secure special exemptions for players, official delegations, and potentially certain categories of fans to avoid complicated entry procedures.

While no official statements have been issued, these efforts reflect an awareness within FIFA of the sensitivity of the situation, especially given that the upcoming tournament is being held in its expanded format, which is expected to draw record-breaking crowds from across the globe.

Qualified teams and fans under threat

The list of countries subject to the program includes several African nations that regularly participate in the World Cup or compete for qualification, such as Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde, in addition to Tunisia, which will be included starting next April.

This situation presents fans of these teams with a significant financial obstacle, potentially preventing a large segment of them from accompanying their national teams to the global event, at a time when FIFA is relying on fan support as one of the most important elements of the tournament’s success.

Featured image via Aljazeera