CONCACAF Cup: Seven Haitian players denied US visas
Seven Haitian players from the Mount Pleasant team have been denied US visas ahead of the CONCACAF Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy.
Ten players from Jamaica's Mount Pleasant were denied US visas before their upcoming match in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against LA Galaxy in California. This denial has forced the club to call in academy players to fill the gaps in their squad, jeopardizing their competitive ability for the match. Club Sporting Director Paul Christie expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for their team to be at their best to compete effectively.
Among the denied players, seven are from Haiti, which has been facing a partial travel ban that was enacted in June 2025. While there are exemptions for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, it is uncertain whether the CONCACAF Champions Cup falls under such exemptions. This uncertainty raises concerns for the players and the club as they prepare for a significant tournament like this.
The implications of these travel restrictions might be profound for Haiti, especially as they prepare for their historic World Cup debut. The difficulties faced by the Haitian players can set a precedent that may affect their participation in future international tournaments, which underscores the challenges that athletes face due to geopolitical issues and visa regulations.