The Football Association of Zambia has decided to remove four NWSL players from the women`s national team`s lineup for the upcoming Yongchuan International Tournament in China this month. This decision is based on worries about the United States` updated travel regulations.
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 during this international break. This is to prevent potential problems when they attempt to return to the U.S. to rejoin their respective club teams.
According to FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga, the withdrawal of these four players is due to `additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the United States of America.` The association stated on Wednesday that `Kamanga mentions that this decision was made based on advice from key offices, including the United States of America Zambian mission in Washington, and the two clubs of the players. Withdrawing the players from the China assignment was deemed the best course of action.`
It is expected that these players will be available for selection in future matches.
The specific travel policies causing concern for the FAZ remain unclear. Under the second Trump administration, there have been reports of foreign-born individuals, including green card holders, being detained at border control and in ICE facilities for extended periods, even with valid travel documents.
