Iraq photographer – Customs and Border Protection denied entry to an Iraq national soccer team photographer at O’Hare and questioned an Iraq striker for hours after the team arrived from Dubai, hours before an exhibition match ahead of the World Cup.
By the time the Iraq national team landed at O’Hare International Airport, the day’s schedule had already started to fracture.
Two members of the touring party were pulled aside for “additional inspection” after the team flew from Dubai International Airport. The hold-ups stretched into hours for one player, while an Iraq national soccer team photographer was denied entry on Friday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the checks were part of its standard process. A customs spokesperson said the inspections are a “routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility.”
The photographer’s entry was refused due to “vetting concerns,” the customs spokesperson said. No additional details were released.
CBP also emphasized that admissibility decisions are made individually. “All travelers 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. ” the customs spokesperson said in a statement.
The player who was held for questioning was Iraq striker Aymen Hussein. News reports said he was questioned for nearly seven hours.
The timing could not have been more sensitive for a team arriving for competition preparations. Iraq is set to play Venezuela in a friendly match Tuesday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. The World Cup schedule for Iraq begins June 16 in Massachusetts.
Iraq has carried extra weight into this tournament. The team became the final team to qualify for this year’s World Cup. It is the first time in 40 years Iraq has qualified, with its last appearance being the team’s only World Cup appearance.
The Iraqi Football Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iraq national team O’Hare U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Aymen Hussein SeatGeek Stadium World Cup exhibition match immigration vetting