Jamaican Players Denied US Entry for Champions Cup Match

Ten players from the Jamaican football club Mount Pleasant were denied entry to the United States on Wednesday for a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in California. Mount Pleasant, the winner of the 2025 CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, was set to make its debut in the Champions Cup.

The club's sports director, Paul Christi, expressed disappointment, stating that they wanted to compete and not just participate in the game. The visa complications arose partly due to a travel ban imposed by former U.S.

President Donald Trump, which, effective January 1, bars individuals from Haiti from entering the U.S. This situation highlights potential issues for Haitian athletes, especially with Haiti qualifying for the World Cup for the second time in history.

The U.S. State Department has specific guidelines regarding visa issuance, which do not guarantee exemptions for fans or spectators, although athletes and essential support staff may qualify.