CAFs Organizational Structure Fails to Meet Expectations of African Fans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Presented US President with Peace Prize Amid Controversy Over Travel Bans and Visa Restrictions for African Fans

On December 5, at a draw ceremony for the 2026 men’s World Cup finals in Washington, DC, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented United States President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The award was given to Trump from the stage, where Infantino stated that “this is what we want from a leader – a leader that cares about the people.” Three days earlier, Trump had made comments during a White House cabinet meeting, calling Somalis “garbage” and stating that their country “stinks.”

The US travel ban list includes four nations whose teams will play in the US: Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and Algeria. Two of these countries are African, while Haiti has a population with African descent. Athletes, coaches, and support staff from these teams are exempt from the travel ban, but fans may face difficulties due to visa restrictions.

Three other African countries that have qualified for the World Cup – Tunisia, Cabo Verde, and South Africa – are on a list for the so-called visa bond programme, which requires visa applicants to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 before being issued a visa. There is no waiver for World Cup fans.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not made any statement regarding the situation. In 1964, FIFA allocated limited spots for the 1966 World Cup to teams from Africa and other regions, leading to widespread criticism and withdrawal of participation by several African federations. Since then, CAF has been granted guaranteed slots in every World Cup.

The US administration has also made unfounded claims about genocide against a white minority group. The ambassador of another African nation that qualified for the World Cup – South Africa – has been expelled.

Source: Al Jazeera