The US regime has come under sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts over visa complications and entry denials for athletes and officials participating in the FIFA World Cup. Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate, was denied entry despite holding a valid visa.

Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about racial profiling and discriminatory immigration enforcement. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for a 'massive rethink' of US immigration policies, warning that such issues could affect the World Cup.

Iran's football team received visas, but several key staff members were denied entry. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was detained at Chicago airport, and Haitian player Woodensky Pierre missed a friendly due to visa delays. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also faced travel issues due to a prior conviction.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino declined to intervene, stating that FIFA is a 'sports organization' and cannot override government decisions. However, experts argue that hosting major sporting events requires host nations to ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory immigration practices.

Source: www.aljazeera.com