Overview
- The NWSL said Friday that several Zambian players are currently observing U.S. government re-entry protocols and cannot enter the United States while following required public-health measures.
- The Centers for Disease Control extended a 21-day restriction on Oct. 11 that bars recent travelers to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan from entering the U.S.
- Multiple outlets identified the affected players as Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, Chicago Stars forward Racheal Kundananji and Angel City FC forward Prisca Chilufya, all of whom played in both legs against Uganda.
- The Zambian team played in Kampala on Oct. 8 and returned through Lusaka, making the 21-day clock likely to expire around Oct. 30 and forcing the players to miss at least two regular-season NWSL matches and possibly Decision Day on Nov. 1.
- The league says it is working with clubs and U.S. immigration to secure safe returns and reported that the players are in excellent health, a disruption traceable to a prolonged Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC that has produced thousands of cases and prompted repeated monthly CDC extensions.