Zambia Withdraws Players Over Travel Policy Concerns

The Zambia women's national soccer team has withdrawn four U.S.-based players—Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda—from participating in the Yongchuan International Tournament in China due to new travel measures introduced by the Trump administration. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) cited concerns over potential difficulties in re-entering the United States following travel abroad as the reason for their decision, a precautionary measure advised by the Zambian mission in Washington and the involved clubs. Zambia plans to face Thailand and potentially either China or Uzbekistan in the tournament. The players are expected to be available for future matches, such as during their previous engagement against Malawi.