The order includes exemptions for athletes and staff attending "major sporting events," but for ordinary fans from the affected countries, hope remains slim.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other security threats.

Donald Trump has issued a sweeping new directive banning citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup.