12.06.2026 19:10
The US denied entry to Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub for the World Cup.
The United States, host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has added a new barrier to the visa obstacles that have caused a significant stir in the sports world.
PALESTINIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT ALSO UNABLE TO ENTER THE COUNTRY
The US administration has refused entry to Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Federation, who was awaiting participation in the tournament.
SOMALI REFEREE ALSO DENIED ENTRY
This diplomatic crisis brings to mind the similar hardship faced a few days ago by Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Artan, who was named Africa's best referee last year and made history as the first Somali appointed to the World Cup, was also denied entry to the US and had to return to his country. Despite FIFA's efforts to resolve visa crises, the strict procedures imposed by the US on both the Palestinian leader and the Somali referee have cast a shadow over the unifying spirit of the tournament.