The Club World Cup was to be a unique tournament, with 32 teams from all over the world competing for glory and big cash prizes. If Real Madrid win the tournament, they could take home a whopping €150 million in attendance money and prize money. But the atmosphere around the tournament is also unusual for the 21st century. – The scandals in connection with the event have already started, even though the tournament has not yet.
US President Donald Trump has sent the National Guard to Los Angeles to deal with protests against deportations, while members of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) will be present around the stadiums during the Club World Cup, with the ability to intervene against spectators. Additionally, FIFA has been forced to drastically lower ticket prices, with only around a third of tickets sold for more matches, including the opening match.
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Boca Juniors defender denied entry
At the same time, Marca reports that US immigration authorities have denied Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa entry to the United States. The Argentine giants make their debut in the tournament against Benfica on Monday, and are doing everything they can to get him to the United States. The authorities have reportedly denied him entry twice – once in 2023 and now again. The reason is that Costa was accused of being friends with a person involved in a robbery, as well as of being an accomplice in a femicide (murder of a woman) committed by his brother. None of the cases resulted in charges against him.
Boca Juniors’ last hope is to resolve the matter via the US embassy in Buenos Aires, or for FIFA to intervene to speed up the visa process.
Real Madrid travels to the United States on Saturday
Atletico Madrid, who start their Club World Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, have already established themselves in Los Angeles and are preparing for their first match. Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid, who make their debut against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, travel to the United States on Saturday.
Both Alexander Sørloth and Erling Braut Haaland are both allowed to enter the United States Norway.
Last summer, one of Real Madrid’s coaches was delayed due to visa issues during his stay in the United States, and Xavi Hernández also arrived late for Barcelona’s 2022 pre-season tour due to similar issues.
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