The dispute is the latest front in a broader clash over race, trade and diplomacy that has seen Washington cut aid, impose tariffs, expel South Africa’s ambassador and boycott a G20 summit in Johannesburg, all against the unresolved legacy of white minority rule.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the new visa restrictions would target those who promote “race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation in South Africa”.

Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said Pretoria viewed the move “with concern” and that Washington was echoing narratives promoted by fringe groups opposed to South Africa’s post-apartheid reforms.

“We reiterate that healing the divisions of the past and establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights is a constitutional imperative,” Lamola said in a statement.

The US did not immediately name any individuals targeted by the restrictions but warned of further “severe” action.

“This visa restriction policy is only the first step in a series of escalatory measures that will show America’s firm resolve in this matter,” US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, said.

‘Hypocrisy’

President Donald Trump has criticised South Africa’s land reform and employment equity laws, which were introduced after the end of apartheid to address racial disparities that remain among the world’s widest.

Trump has portrayed the measures as discriminatory against Afrikaners, the white minority descended largely from Dutch settlers, a claim Pretoria rejects.

In 2025, he berated President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over discredited claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa.

While the US president has broadly cracked down on immigration, his administration has offered refugee status to thousands of white South Africans it says face persecution.

Lamola rejected suggestions that the government was targeting any racial group, saying crime remained a national challenge affecting all South Africans.

The opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, also condemned the visa restrictions, calling them an affront to South Africa’s sovereignty.

“The hypocrisy of Washington’s position is breathtaking. It lectures South Africa, while arming Israel amid the reported killing of more than 73,000 Palestinians in Gaza,” it said in a statement.

Despite the tensions, Pretoria and Washington have remained engaged in efforts to thaw relations.

“The discussions have highlighted the need for any resolution to consider South Africa’s unique circumstances and to respect its democracy, constitution, sovereignty, and the will of its people,” Lamola said.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of the US on the African continent, with more than 500 US businesses and 30,000 US citizens based in the country.

South Africa said last month it would offer a “generous” new trade deal to the United States as it seeks to avoid hefty tariffs that threaten job losses on top of a dire unemployment crisis.

The request effectively rules out Pakistan playing their matches at the tournament’s scheduled venues in Jalandhar and Mohali unless the AHF agrees to the proposed change.

PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, who is also federal secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, confirmed to Dawn on Wednesday that the federation had formally approached the AHF.

The development came two days after Wani had told Dawn that Pakistan’s proposed tour to India was subject to government clearance and that the PHF would abide by whatever decision the government took.

Sources in the PHF said the latest decision to seek a neutral venue had been taken on the direction of the federal government.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Wani said the request had been made to ensure a “safe, dignified and conducive environment” for Pakistan’s players and officials.

“The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to relocate the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 tournament or shift all of Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue,” Wani said in the statement.

The PHF chief, however, made it clear that Pakistan remained committed to the tournament and was willing to face India.

“Pakistan remains fully committed to participating in the Asian Champions Trophy and international hockey and is ready to play against all FIH member nations, including India,” he said.

The PHF president also said the federation hoped the AHF would consider the proposal positively to ensure Pakistan’s full participation in the tournament.

The request comes two days after Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Pakistan would participate in the tournament, prompting the PHF to clarify that no decision had been taken on the team’s visit to India.

Mann, according to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, had said Pakistan would be among the six teams competing in the Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from Oct 27 to Nov 5.

“There is no problem in multi-national tournaments. Maybe individual series [between India and Pakistan] cannot take place,” Mann said at an event in Mohali when asked about Pakistan’s participation and whether the requisite clearances had been obtained.

The tournament is scheduled to feature hosts India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.

Jalandhar is to host the opening ceremony and all league-stage matches from Oct 27 to Nov 2, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled to be played in Mohali on Nov 4 and 5.

Pakistan’s proposed match against India is scheduled for Nov 1 in Jalandhar.

The PHF’s latest move means that, while Pakistan is seeking to avoid playing its fixtures in India, it is not seeking to withdraw from the competition.

The federation has specifically stated that it is prepared to play India and other FIH member nations at a neutral venue.

Pakistan had also withdrawn from last year’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu amid heightened tensions between the two countries.