An international footballer expected to feature at this year’s World Cup was reportedly questioned by US immigration officials for hours after landing at the airport.
The Iraq national team arrived in the United States on Friday night (June 5), but striker Aymen Hussein — considered one of the squad’s key players — allegedly faced significant delays before being allowed to enter the country.
According to reports, Hussein was detained at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after arriving alongside teammates and members of the team’s staff.
Iraq’s qualification marks a rare return to the World Cup, with the nation only previously appearing at the tournament once before, in 1986.
A source connected to the Iraqi Olympic Committee told Reuters that officers searched Hussein’s phone after he landed in the US.
The 30-year-old forward was ultimately admitted. However, a member of Iraq’s media team was not.
The official said: “National team photographer Talal Salah was held for more than 10 hours, underwent similar phone checks, and was ultimately denied entry into the United States.”
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) later addressed the situation, saying the photographer was refused entry due to “vetting concerns.”
They told The Athletic: “On June 5, the Iraqi national team arrived at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from Dubai International Airport.
“During processing, two travellers underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility.
“Following inspection, one traveler was admitted to the United States. The second traveller, a photographer and not a player on the team, was determined to be inadmissible and was denied entry due to vetting concerns.”
The CBP statement continued: “All travellers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
“CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law.”
Despite the travel disruption, Iraq is still scheduled to play a warm-up match against Venezuela on Wednesday (June 10) in Bridgeview, Illinois.
The team’s opening World Cup fixture is set to be against Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 16.
This year’s tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The competition is scheduled to begin on June 11, with South Africa facing Mexico in Mexico City.