The Trump administration has issued a significant cable to all US embassies and consulates, announcing that athletes, coaches, and support staff participating in the World Cup, the Olympics, and other major sporting events will be exempt from the travel bans in place. This decision marks a historic win for foreign athletes looking forward to competing in America. It arrives in the context of broader restrictions, affecting citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.
The cable provides context, noting that a complete travel ban prevents people from targeted countries from entering. It does offer exemptions to allow, among others, key personnel to attend and participate in such major sporting events. This change is intended to better support athletes as they travel to important career-building competitions. Yet, beyond being the world’s greatest sporting event, it is a celebration of international sportsmanship.
Details of the Travel Bans
Today’s regulations continue to enforce a total travel embargo on U.S. citizens from a number of countries. This includes people from Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria, just to name a few. Even a partial ban prevents American citizens from countries like Cuba and Venezuela from visiting their family members. The broad scope of these restrictions has led to doubts regarding the accessibility of their enforcement for athletes wishing to compete on international stages.
In December 2020, Trump’s proclamation banned the issuance of visas to individuals from the aforementioned nations and those holding Palestinian Authority-issued passports. However, the administration recognized the importance of allowing a pathway for athletes and their teams to travel for major events.
“Only a small subset of travellers for the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics, and other major sporting events will qualify for the exception.” – AP
The cable further explains that this exemption is aimed only at people participating in competitions defined as “major sporting events.” That’s extending not just to the Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves, but to all the qualifying events leading up to these games.
Scope of the Exemption
Major events include all championships and qualifying tournaments leading up to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. They account for the Pan-American Games and Para Pan-American Games. Events that are hosted or sanctioned by US NGBs fall under this exemption.
The administration aims to ensure that athletes, coaches, and fans can actively participate in these significant sporting events within the United States. The cable outlines all permitted activities under this exemption which will offer much needed guidance to individuals impacted by the travel bans.
Even more troubling is that under this exemption scheme, future events supervised by FIFA, soccer’s governing body, will be exempt from taxation. This award shines a light on the administration’s ongoing work to promote better participation in international athletics, even amidst continuing travel hurdles.
Implications for Athletes and Coaches
This ruling comes at a watershed moment as many athletes now begin training and focusing on new competitions. Expanding the exemption means they can concentrate solely on their training and competition, without the added burden of visa challenges. It opens up opportunities for fans and support staff who play vital roles in the success of these events.
As helpful as this exemption is, it’s worth noting that the relief is still difficult to access. The administration has been clear about who will NOT be exempted from this rule. This cohort consists of people connected to large international sporting events.
This decision will further empower athletes and inspire the American sport community as a whole. Fans will be delighted to cheer on their favorite teams!
