U.S. Denies Visas to Senegal’s Women’s Basketball Team, Says Prime Minister

 Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Tuesday, June 17, that the United States denied visas to several members of Senegal’s women’s basketball team, preventing their participation in the 2025 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Los Angeles. Sonko, speaking at a press conference in Dakar, called the decision “discriminatory” and a blow to African sports representation, vowing to raise the issue with FIBA and the U.S. Embassy.

The team, ranked 17th globally, was set to compete in Group C qualifiers starting June 25, with key players like Awa Diop and Fatou Dieng affected by the visa rejections. Sonko alleged the U.S. cited “administrative issues” without clear justification, impacting eight of the 12-player roster. “This undermines our athletes’ dreams and Africa’s growing presence in global sports,” he said, per Africa News. Senegal’s basketball federation has appealed to FIBA, which is investigating potential sanctions against the U.S. host.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar declined to comment, citing privacy laws. The incident follows a pattern of visa challenges for African teams, with Nigeria’s 2024 Olympic qualifiers facing similar issues. Senegal plans to field a partial team, but analysts warn the visa denials could hinder their World Cup qualification, prompting calls for diplomatic resolution before the tournament begins.