Acting assistant secretary of US Homeland Security, Lauren Bis, previously told the BBC that the tightening of granting ESTAs was because “the Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws”.
“Under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously vetted against law enforcement and security databases,” she said.
“Travellers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history.”
Michael Wright said the late U-turn had left him feeling “very raw” – as well as thousands of pounds out of pocket.
He said: “You’re talking about £4,500 to £5,000 and the only thing I’m ever going to get the money back on is the match tickets.
“But at this point I don’t even want to take the money back on them – I’ll probably just give them away.”
However, he still insists on “taking the positives” from his World Cup experience.
“I made the trip home and spent about two-and-a-half weeks back in Scotland with all the family who I obviously don’t get to see every day.
“Now I’ll just go back to Australia and watch the games with my mates.”
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “The US government sets ESTA and visa requirements. We encourage applicants to follow instructions set out by the US Embassy.
“We continue to engage closely with the US embassy regarding entry requirements for British nationals traveling to the World Cup.”