The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation told AFP he believes his country can still make a big impact at this year’s World Cup. This is despite the “regrettable” choice by US officials to refuse visas to their supporters.
Senegal is one of several countries at this year’s World Cup whose fans cannot travel to support their team. This is due to the strict immigration rules set by the US, which is co-hosting the event.
The Lions of Teranga will play their first two group matches in the US. They start against France on Tuesday in New Jersey and will also face Norway on June 22.
“It is true that this World Cup is particularly difficult, but every country has its own rules,” Abdoulaye Sow said at the Senegal team base, located an hour south of Manhattan.
“The United States has its own laws and these laws mean that, unlike European countries, we cannot have many Senegalese and African fans come to support us. It is really regrettable. FIFA knew about all this. These are the laws of the United States and we must respect them.”
This is Senegal’s fourth World Cup, but it is the first time they are entering without an official fan group supported by the government. Pape Thiaw’s team must find a way to overcome this challenge as they aim to prove themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.
Senegal’s best performance was in 2002 when they made it to the quarter-finals. They reached the last 16 four years ago in Qatar.
“It is obvious that African countries feel the impact of the visa restrictions,” Sow said. His nation is among a record 10 teams from Africa competing in the expanded tournament.
“Senegal has always had the 12th man cheering for them. We will miss that,” he added. “But there are Senegalese and African people here. In the end, the match will be decided on the pitch, and the fans won’t be on the pitch.”
Ranked 16th in the world, Senegal, still led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, is eager to kick off their campaign. The last few months have been overshadowed by the January Africa Cup of Nations final, which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco after extra time.
This victory came after many of their players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of their title as punishment. Senegal has taken this case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is waiting for the appeal's outcome.
“It is clear that until we get the decision from the CAS, Senegal remains the champions of Africa,” Sow said. “We are focused on the World Cup. The AFCON is in the past. We won it on the pitch, and there is still a legal battle ongoing.
“We have faith in the CAS. They will make a decision when the time is right. But right now, that is not our priority.”
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