BAGHDAD: Iraqi World Cup striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport upon arrival with the national squad early Saturday, an Iraqi sporting official said.
Hussein was later permitted entry into the United States, but the team’s photographer was denied access, according to the official, who works with the Iraqi Olympic Committee and maintains close contact with the squad.
The official said Hussein’s phone was also inspected during the questioning. The Iraqi team photographer, identified as Talal Salah, was reportedly held for more than 10 hours, subjected to similar device checks, and ultimately refused entry into the country.
There was no immediate comment from the Iraqi Football Association, Aymen Hussein, or US authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, regarding the reported incident.
The Iraqi national team had arrived in the United States ahead of the upcoming World Cup, set to begin later this week, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Fans had gathered at the airport in the early hours to welcome the squad, according to videos circulating on social media.
Hussein, 30, is a key player for Iraq, having scored the decisive goal that secured the country’s qualification for the tournament. He leads an attack that includes Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi and young players Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.
Iraq will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
The World Cup is scheduled to begin on Thursday.