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Senegal Women Basketball Team Denied US Entry, Canceling Pre-Afrobasket Camp.
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Visa Snub Fuels Debate on US Athlete Immigration Policies.
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China Offers Dozens of Training Scholarships Amid Diplomatic Tension.
Also Read: Sports Ministry Reacts To Alledged Diversion of Basketball Players’ funds
The Senegal Women Basketball Team saw its planned ten-day US training camp called off after US officials turned down multiple visa requests.
Consequently, with Afrobasket 2025 set to tip off in July in Ivory Coast, the federation now has to secure a new venue for practice.
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Furthermore, as the US tightens its admission requirements, this action raises questions about how simple it will be for foreign athletes to enter the US in time for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
On Facebook, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko blasted the refusal.
He called it “unacceptable” and immediately ordered the sports ministry to cancel all US travel plans.
He emphasized that the team deserves respect and proper support.
The Senegalese Basketball Federation’s president, Babacar Ndiaye, stated that only employees and players with valid U.S. visas were granted permission.
Therefore, five players and seven staff members had their fresh applications rejected.
This across-the-board decision underscores how athlete exemptions can be inconsistently applied.
An internal US memo reportedly puts Senegal on a list of 36 countries under review for an expanded travel ban.
Although official policy exempts competing athletes, this situation shows those exceptions may not be reliable.
The US State Department declined to comment on individual cases.
Meanwhile, China has stepped in. Prime Minister Sonko welcomed Beijing’s offer of “dozens of training scholarships” for Senegalese athletes and coaches.
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Thus, Senegal’s sports partnerships may pivot toward new international allies.
Looking ahead, the team now faces an urgent scramble to find alternative training locations.
This visa issue also raises more general issues regarding the treatment of African teams in important international tournaments.
In the end, how the US handles athlete visas in the future may have long-term effects on diplomatic and athletic ties.
👉 Do you think the US should adjust its visa policy for international athletes? Could these restrictions affect future tournaments? Comment below, share with fellow fans, and subscribe for more breaking sports news!
