Shattered Socceroos fans have had their visas for the FIFA World Cup in Russia rejected without explanation, less than a fortnight out from the tournament.
At least several Australian supporters received emails from the Russian Government informing them their Fan IDs, which act as a visa for ticket holders, had been rejected despite having already received the necessary documentation.
Socceroos die-hard Aaron Camm is among those now frantically organising a back up plan.
Aaron Camm (pictured on The Project) had his World Cup visa rejected and now relies on getting a tourist visa through the consulate
‘I’m crushed, gutted and puzzled as to what has happened,’ he told The Project on Sunday night.
‘Everything had been organised and a few weeks out, this has happened. I’ve got no idea why this has happened. I’ve been to plenty of away trips and have always been a good fan while I’ve been away.’
Mr Camm remains hopeful of getting on the plane to Russia.
‘I can apply for a tourist visa through the consulate,’ he said.
‘If I get knocked back, I won’t be getting on the plane because I don’t want to be dragged into that special room at Moscow Airport.’
While he can cancel a lot of accommodation organised, Mr Camm will be still $2000 out of pocket on booked flights if he can’t go to Russia.
Those rejected still remain hopeful of making it to Russia to join the green and gold army of fans who will cheer on the Socceroos in the World Cup (stock image)
‘I’ve been watching football since I was a kid so this is a 20 year dream I’ve been looking forward,’ Mr Camm told The Project.
‘There’s more World Cups down the road and there’s also the Women’s World Cup in France next year.’
The Socceroos Active group on Twitter believes there could be up to 11 Socceroos fans who have had their IDs revoked.
‘Devastated for the guys,’the group tweeted.
Reuban Garlett also had his visa cancelled and thought the email was a scam at first.
‘I went to the Fan ID website and used their contact form in case it was not legit,’ he told the ABC.
‘I basically just got a standard response saying they have the right to cancel anyone’s Fan ID without providing any particular detail around the cancellation.’
It’s not just Australian fans who has been rejected.
‘Am I a threat to the security of the tournament? After all, I have received my tickets, my fan ID & was ready to go. Today I was banned of entry to Russia until 2021,’ a Polish fan tweeted.
This Polish fan also had his visa for the FIFA World Cup rejected without warning
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop declined to comment while the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the ABC it was a matter for tournament organisers and the Russian Embassy.
The Football Federation of Australia said there was little it could do.
‘FFA will liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs but essentially this is a decision by the Russian authorities about who they allow into the country for the World Cup,’ a FFA spokesman told SBS.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the FFA for further comment.
The Green & Gold Army tour group said it was unaware of anyone in their contingency who had been knocked back.
The Football Federation of Australia said there was little it could do to help affected Socceroos fans