- Two Benfica followers have been denied entry to the USA forward of the Membership World Cup
- Benfica’s first sport of the match might be in opposition to Boca Juniors in Miami
- Watch each Membership World Cup match free on DAZN. Sign Up Now
A pair of Benfica followers have been left livid and out of pocket after being denied entry to the USA forward of the Membership World Cup – as visa rejections spike amid president Donald Trump’s revived hardline stance on immigration.
Two Portuguese supporters, who had booked flights and secured tickets for Benfica’s opening match in opposition to Boca Juniors in Miami, have seen their journey plans shattered after being refused digital journey authorisation with out rationalization.
One of many followers, restaurant proprietor Fabio Vasques, stated he had accomplished all of the required documentation – together with the ESTA software, the usual on-line type wanted for guests from visa-waiver international locations – however was surprised when it was twice rejected.
‘I stuffed it out three weeks in the past and the reply got here again damaging,’ Vasques advised Portuguese newspaper JN. ‘I attempted once more, and the end result was the identical. No justification was given.’
Vasques had organized flights from Lisbon to Miami by way of Madrid and paid for match tickets on the Arduous Rock Stadium, the place Benfica face Argentine giants Boca Juniors on Monday, June 16. He has now misplaced €820 (£695) in flights and $150 (£118) for the match ticket – and is hoping to say a few of it again by means of journey insurance coverage.
The group of 4 supporters had deliberate to stick with a buddy dwelling in Miami, however solely two have been cleared for entry. The opposite fan who was refused a visa declined to remark.
Donald Trump pictured (left) with FIFA president Gianni Infantino (proper) final month forward of this summer season’s Membership World Cup match within the USA
Two Benfica supporters have been denied entry to the USA forward of their membership’s first sport
Benfica are attributable to face Boca Juniors at Arduous Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday night time
The ESTA programme – formally the Digital System for Journey Authorization – requires passport particulars, journey data, and US-based contacts. It prices $21 and is legitimate for visits of as much as 90 days.
However authorized consultants say functions are being rejected with rising frequency underneath Trump’s return to energy.
‘It was uncommon for Portuguese residents to be refused entry into the US,’ stated Nelson Tereso, a Portuguese-American immigration lawyer. ‘However the guidelines have tightened considerably since Donald Trump’s modifications.’
These modifications, first launched throughout his earlier presidency and now being actively enforced once more, type a part of a broader, controversial immigration crackdown that has dominated the build-up to this summer season’s Membership World Cup.
Riot police, ICE brokers and Nationwide Guard troops have already been deployed to cities together with Los Angeles and Philadelphia, the place mass protests have erupted over immigration raids.
Simply this week, US Customs and Border Safety posted – then deleted – a message declaring they might be ‘suited and booted’ at Membership World Cup video games, sparking fears that matches might be used to establish and detain unlawful immigrants.
Although FIFA say they don’t count on such actions at stadiums, the uncertainty has heightened nervousness for visiting followers.
