The reason why Chelsea and Manchester City fans will not be able to attend this year’s Club World Cup

Most of the teams who have qualified for this summer’s revamped Club World Cup have been confirmed - just one vacant slot remains, a CONCACAF representative to take the place of Club León who were disqualified from the competition for infringing multi-club ownership rules.

The 2025 edition showcases a brand new format with 32 teams and will be played for the first time in the United States. This week, news has emerged regarding travel restrictions for some supporters from two of the Premier League clubs taking part - Manchester City and Chelsea.

According to the Associated Press, the United Kingdom has decided to prohibit fans of these two English clubs with prior bans for “violent behavior” related to football from traveling to the US to attend the event. The offenses listed by the British government include violence, disorder, pitch invasions, use of pyrotechnics, and online hate crimes.

Chelsea and City fans must “surrender their passports”

This policy means that approximately 150 Manchester City and Chelsea fans will have to surrender their passports to the police, effectively preventing them from leaving the country and traveling to the United States. The legislation, which came into effect this Wednesday, mandates that fans must hand over their passports at least five days before the opening match on Saturday, June 14. Authorities will retain the passports until the tournament concludes on Sunday, July 13.

Travel Restrictions Extend Beyond Club World Cup for UK Fans

The travel ban for certain Manchester City and Chelsea fans will also apply to away matches involving the England national team, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, and various UEFA competitions, both at club and national levels. According to a statement from the British government, individuals who fail to comply with police orders or attempt to travel despite the ban could face unlimited fines or, in severe cases, up to six months in prison.

In which US cities will City and Chelsea be playing at the Club World Cup?

For Manchester City fans, the group stage matches will take place in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Orlando. These venues will host the team’s first three games of the tournament, and it’s widely expected that City will advance to the Round of 16. Chelsea’s group stage matches are also set to unfold across key US cities, ensuring a thrilling start to the competition.

For Chelsea fans, the travel ban means they won’t be able to attend matches in Atlanta or Philadelphia, where the Blues will compete during the group stage. Chelsea’s first match, led by Enzo Maresca, is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team’s second and third group stage games will follow at Lincoln Financial Field, promising exciting challenges in key US venues.

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