Kotoko-DC United game in limbo as US Embassy denies 26 individuals visas - Reports

The United States Embassy has reportedly granted visas to only six Asante Kotoko representatives, casting doubt on the team's friendly game against Major League Soccer club DC United.

Kotoko has reportedly submitted a 32-man contingent list for their USA trip and will need to undergo a second approval process for the remaining 26.

In an account given by sports broadcaster Collins Atta Poku, the six individuals include some management members, technical team members, and players.

"Six people got the visa, and that is not only players - management, technical team, and playing body. They were very disappointed on their way back to Kumasi because they were refused visas," he said on The Show, a sports podcast on TikTok.

"I asked people within the US consulate to ask about it because there will be a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the FA, and then one from the Ghana Tourism Authority," he added.

Asante Kotoko earned the right to play the match against DC United after beating Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup match back in July 2024.

The match is expected to take place at the state-of-the-art Audi Field in Washington, DC.

The annual ceremonial match, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association, is part of the activities to mark Ghana Week DC 2024, which takes place from October 7-12, 2024.

The game is expected to be the highlight of the celebration in Washington, DC, to celebrate Ghana’s rich culture.

EE/BB

Collins Atta Poku on Kotoko visa issue’s at the American embassy. pic.twitter.com/IXBv9qGhqw

— Abou Diaby (Owuraku) (@EffahOwusuJose1) September 12, 2024