High Costs and Unjustified Refusals: U.S. Consulate Bars Dozens of Moroccan Journalists from Covering the « Club World Cup »

In a surprising twist, the U.S. Consulate in Morocco has denied entry visas to numerous Moroccan journalists planning to cover the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, set to run from June 13 to July 14 — a move that has raised serious questions about transparency and fairness.

According to Al Omk newspaper, numerous journalists faced visa rejections despite submitting all required documents and paying the necessary fees. None of those rejected received a clear explanation for the refusal. Many reporters spent significant sums—sometimes exceeding 6,000 Moroccan dirhams each—with no refunds issued.

Journalists accredited by FIFA to cover the Club World Cup underwent a rigorous two-stage interview process at the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca. The first interview involved answering over 20 questions about their coverage plans and submitting professional IDs, press accreditations, bank statements, and other documents. This was followed by a second interview with a visa officer who ultimately decided whether to approve or deny the visa.

One rejection letter cited Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, stating:
“We regret to inform you that you do not meet the requirements for a non-immigrant visa. Applicants must convince the visa officer they qualify for the visa and will return to their home country after a temporary stay.”

The letter further explained that applicants must demonstrate strong ties abroad—such as professional, employment, educational, family, or social connections—to guarantee their return. It also stressed that the applicant’s travel purpose must align with the requested visa type.

The consulate made clear that its decision was final and not subject to appeal. However, it noted applicants could submit new applications if they presented additional evidence or showed changed circumstances, though approval was not guaranteed.

The journalists affected insisted they met all conditions, including official invitation letters from tournament organizers, FIFA accreditation, and media credentials outlining their professional roles. Yet their applications were denied, often citing a “lack of strong professional ties” or “insufficient guarantees of return.” Many described these reasons as unfounded and illogical, especially given their affiliation with prominent Moroccan media outlets.

“I provided all official documents proving my professional identity, bank statements, and a valid passport, but my application was rejected without any clear explanation. I spent over 3,500 dirhams on visa fees and received no refund,” one journalist lamented.

The rejected journalists also condemned the consulate’s refusal to refund visa fees, which can amount to around 4,000 dirhams per person. They viewed the arbitrary refusals and lack of reimbursement as disrespectful to their professional responsibilities and a waste of their money.

Another journalist described the ordeal as both a financial loss and an emotional blow. “I felt humiliated, as if we were not trusted professionals. Representing national media at a global event involving a Moroccan team, yet facing unjustified obstacles, damages our reputation and hinders our work,” he said.

This situation has sparked concerns over fairness in the U.S. consulate’s visa decisions. While many were rejected, others received visas without difficulty, prompting questions about the criteria and consistency applied by the embassy.