Zambia National Football Team Excludes US-Based Players Amid Immigration Concerns

Zambia women’s national team has withdrawn four U.S.-based players from upcoming matches due to concerns about Trump administration’s immigration policies. The decision was taken after consulting with the Zambian mission in Washington and NWSL clubs. The affected players are significant to the team’s success, with hopes for their future involvement in international competitions.

The Zambia women’s national football team has opted to exclude four players from the United States from their roster for upcoming matches due to apprehensions surrounding the immigration policies of the Trump administration. This decision was formally announced by the Football Association of Zambia on Wednesday, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty for foreign nationals looking to travel to or from the United States amid new regulations.

Zambia is scheduled to compete against Thailand and either China or Uzbekistan later this week. The players affected by this decision include Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya, Grace Chanda, and Rachael Kundananji. Banda serves as the captain of the team and is a crucial component of the attacking line alongside Kundananji.

In their announcement, the Football Association of Zambia indicated that the decision came in light of recently established travel measures imposed by the U.S. administration. They noted that this action was taken following consultations with the Zambian diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., as well as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs that the players represent.

FAZ General Secretary, Reuben Kamanga, stated, “After working through the process instigated by recently introduced measures it was decided that it is in the best interest of our players to skip this assignment.” He assured that the players would remain available for future matches, as evidenced by their participation during the previous games against Malawi.

Amid the controversies surrounding immigration, the Trump administration has reportedly rescinded visas for several foreign nationals and has deported many legal residents without clear justification, leading to heightened scrutiny and anxiety. In addition to these immigration issues, the U.S. government’s ongoing trade conflict with China, which is the host nation for Zambia’s upcoming games, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

In summary, the Zambia women’s national football team has removed four U.S.-based players from their upcoming matches due to concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The decision was made to prioritize the players’ safety and travel complexities. This reflects broader uncertainties in U.S. immigration that could impact foreign nationals, particularly in light of recent visa rescissions. The team remains hopeful for the players’ availability in future assignments.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com