An Iraqi national team striker faced an extended detention at Chicago’s O’Hare airport over the weekend, according to a sporting official from Iraq.
Aymen Hussein, who plays a key role in Iraq’s World Cup squad, was detained and questioned for almost seven hours after the team landed early Saturday morning, said an official with the Iraqi Olympic Committee who maintains close ties with the team.
While Hussein was eventually permitted to enter the country, the team’s photographer was refused admission to the United States, the official reported.
Neither the Iraqi Football Association nor Hussein himself provided immediate statements regarding the incident. Hussein is considered a crucial player who netted the decisive goal that earned Iraq’s spot in the tournament finals.
Federal immigration and homeland security agencies did not respond right away to requests for comment about the reported questioning, which Iraqi media outlets also reported.
Social media footage captured enthusiastic supporters gathering in the early morning hours to welcome the Iraqi team at the airport, waving flags and requesting photos with players just days before tournament play begins.
Officials examined Hussein’s mobile device following his arrival, the Iraqi official noted.
“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,” the official added.
This marks Iraq’s return to World Cup competition for the first time since their initial appearance four decades ago.
The 30-year-old Hussein anchors an attacking unit that includes Ipswich Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi along with promising young players Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.
Iraq will compete against France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, begins Thursday.
