US detains Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein en route to FIFA World Cup, interrogates him for 7 hours
PTC News Desk: Iraq's leading striker, Aymen Hussein, was reportedly detained and questioned for nearly seven hours after arriving in the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, according to an official associated with the Iraqi sporting establishment.
Hussein, whose goal helped secure Iraq's place at the tournament, was stopped by authorities at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport early Saturday. After prolonged questioning, he was eventually allowed to enter the country.
However, Iraq national team photographer Talal Salah was reportedly held for more than 10 hours and ultimately denied entry to the United States. The official said both men underwent inspections of their mobile phones during the screening process.
According to the source, Hussein's phone was examined while officials questioned him for several hours before granting him permission to proceed. Salah, meanwhile, was subjected to a similar process but was not allowed into the country.
There was no immediate statement from the Iraqi Football Association regarding the incident. US authorities, including immigration agencies, had also not publicly commented at the time of reporting.
The episode occurred just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Videos shared online showed Iraqi supporters gathering at the airport to welcome the national team, waving flags and taking photographs with players upon their arrival.
Iraq are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years. The squad will be spearheaded by Hussein, alongside Ali Al-Hamadi and young talents Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.
- With inputs from agencies
