Club World Cup: Chelsea, Manchester City Fans Could Face Possible US Entry Ban
- A section of Chelsea and Manchester City fans might not have the opportunity to support their teams at the Club World Cup
- Non-compliance with the directive set for these fans may lead to unlimited fines or a prison sentence of up to six months
- The expanded Club World Cup will take place in the US from June 4 to July 13, 2025, amid Donald Trump's crackdowns
Supporters of Chelsea and Manchester City planning to follow their teams to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States could see their hopes dashed due to strict travel regulations.
Up to 150 fans from the two Premier League sides must surrender their passports for over a month or face severe penalties in North America.
Source: Getty Images
Why Chelsea, Man City fans face US entry bans
According to Metro, the new measures are aimed at preventing individuals with a history of football-related violence from causing disturbances at the tournament, which runs from June 4 to July 13, 2025.
Fans affected by the ruling have existing Football Behaviour Orders (FBOs) barring them from attending regulated matches due to previous misconduct.
Possible sanctions against fans
Failure to comply with the directive could result in unlimited fines, up to six months in prison, and an extension of the banning order, per Sky Sports.
This approach is not unprecedented, as similar restrictions were enforced during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
The UK Home Office reported that 99% of those with FBOs adhered to the restrictions ahead of Euro 2024, handing over their passports without resistance.
Chelsea, Man City featuring in 2025 CWC
On the pitch, Chelsea and Manchester City will be the sole representatives from the English top flight in the US this year.
Both clubs earned their spots at the expanded Club World Cup by winning the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons.
City secured their first-ever UCL title in 2023, overcoming Inter Milan 1-0, with Rodri's second-half strike sealing victory in a historic treble-winning campaign.
Chelsea, meanwhile, claimed Europe’s elite trophy in 2021, edging past Man City in the final, courtesy of Kai Havertz’s decisive goal.
Despite their pedigree on the continental stage, both teams have endured a turbulent 2024/25 season and hope to rediscover their best form before the tournament.
Which CWC groups include Chelsea, Man City?
The draw for the 32-team Club World Cup has placed Manchester City in Group G alongside Juventus (two-time European champions), Emirati club Al Ain and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Athletic Club.
Source: Getty Images
Chelsea, meanwhile, find themselves in Group D, where they will clash with Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo, Club León from Mexico and four-time CAF Champions League victors Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
As the countdown to the first-ever expanded Club World Cup begins later this year, both clubs will aim to navigate domestic struggles and arrive in the US ready to challenge for global supremacy.
Country faces exclusion from 2026 World Cup
YEN.com.gh also reported that a nation faces exclusion from the 2026 World Cup due to its presence on President Donald Trump’s proposed travel ban list.
Iran, having recently secured qualification for the Mundial, is among the affected countries, raising concerns about featuring in the global tournament.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
