Senegal'll walk out for their World Cup opener against France on Tuesday without a single official fan in the stands. The United States has refused to issue visas to their supporters.
The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, told AFP it's a “regrettable” situation. But he said the team must respect US laws.
“It's true that this World Cup is particularly difficult, but you know every country is a sovereign power and has its own rules,” Sow said from the team's base, an hour south of Manhattan. “The United States has its own laws and regulations, and these laws mean that – unlike European countries for example – we can't benefit from the support of many Senegalese people, and many African people, who wanted to come. It's really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States, and we have to respect them.”
This is Senegal's fourth World Cup. But it's the first time the government hasn't funded an official fan group to travel and support the team.
Senegal are one of several African countries hit by the tight visa restrictions imposed by the US as co-host of the expanded 48-team tournament. A record 10 African teams qualified, but many of their fans can't get in.
“It's obvious that the African countries are impacted,” Sow said. “Senegal have been used to having the 12th man behind them. We'll be denied that. But there are Senegalese people and African people here. And in any case the match will be won on the pitch. And the supporters won't be on the pitch.”
Senegal are ranked 16th in the world. They still have Sadio Mane, the former Liverpool star. They reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and the last 16 in Qatar four years ago. Coach Pape Thiaw's team are seen as dangerous outsiders.
But the last few months have been messy. In January, Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final 1-0 against Morocco after extra time. But most of their players walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty given to Morocco. The Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the title as punishment. Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“It's clear that until we get the decision of the CAS, Senegal remains the champions of Africa,” Sow said. “We're just focused on the World Cup. For us, the AFCON is behind us. We won it on the pitch, and there's a legal battle ongoing. We have faith in the CAS. They'll make a decision when the time comes. But that's not our priority right now.”
Senegal's first two group games are in the US: against France on Tuesday in New Jersey, then Norway on June 22. If they advance, they'll play later stages in other host countries.
For now, the Lions of Teranga must roar without their 12th man.