Visa Refusals Jeopardize Lone Star’s U.S. Independence Day Friendly

By: Anthony Dahn

Liberia’s national football team may no longer participate in its scheduled international friendly against Minnesota United II after the United States denied visas to the majority of the country’s traveling delegation.

The match, slated for July 26 in the United States, was organized as part of activities commemorating Liberia’s 179th Independence Day.

According to information confirmed by the Liberia Football Association (LFA), the association initially submitted a delegation of 25 members for visa processing before reducing the list to 10 applicants.

During visa interviews held at the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday, six of the ten applicants were denied entry visas. LFA First Vice President Sekou Konneh was the only official confirmed to have successfully obtained a visa.

The LFA has acknowledged the outcome of the visa process, while sources familiar with the matter told The Closing Argument that the friendly match is now expected to be canceled due to the travel setbacks.

As of publication, the U.S. Embassy has not issued any public statement regarding the visa refusals.