The Zambian Football Association has decided to remove four players from the National Women`s team roster for the upcoming Yongchuan International Tournament in China. This decision is based on concerns regarding new travel regulations in the United States.
Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya from Orlando Pride, along with Rachael Kundananji of Bay FC, were initially selected for the tournament. However, these players will not be traveling to China to prevent potential difficulties when they attempt to return to the U.S. to rejoin their respective club teams.
According to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, these players are being withdrawn due to `additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the United States of America.` The association stated they consulted with the Zambian mission in Washington and the players` clubs before making the decision to withdraw them from the China tournament.
It is expected that these players will be available for selection in future matches.
The specific U.S. travel policies causing concern for the FAZ are not explicitly mentioned. However, reports indicate that under the current U.S. administration, foreign-born individuals, even those with valid visas, have faced detentions at the border and in ICE facilities.
