The White House has thrown a grenade into World Cup travel plans. A new set of travel bans and visa restrictions targeting nationals from several countries has sparked fury among fans and campaigners. The message from Washington is clear: you can watch on TV, but don't bother packing your bags.
Downing Street is caught in the middle. Officially, the government supports 'fair access' to the tournament. Privately, aides are scrambling to assess the damage to UK fans who may be caught in the crossfire. The Foreign Office has issued a terse statement urging the US to 'reconsider the proportionality' of the measures. Translation: they are livid.
The bans hit nations with large diaspora populations in the UK. Families face impossible choices. Go to the match and risk not coming home? Or stay put and watch from the pub? The mood is ugly. One fan group has already dubbed it 'a World Cup for them, not us'.
This is a political landmine for the Prime Minister. He needs to show he can stand up to Washington without derailing the special relationship. Backbenchers are restless. Labour is circling. The Home Secretary has been dispatched to calm nerves, but the damage may be done.
The real game is off the pitch. Lobbyists are working the corridors. Visa waivers are being discussed. But don't hold your breath. The White House is in no mood to bend. And the World Cup is coming. Fast.
