Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub criticized the US for failing to grant him a visa to attend World Cup-related events, saying the delay reflects disrespect for FIFA and the unifying role of the sport, Anadolu reports.
Rajoub attended the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday but remains among several accredited participants who have either been denied US visas or are still awaiting approval to enter the country.
In an exclusive statement to Anadolu from Mexico, Rajoub said he has yet to receive permission to enter the United States despite his entitlement to participate in World Cup activities as head of the Palestinian Football Association.
“I believe that FIFA regulations, or at least its traditions, require any country hosting a global event to honor its obligations toward that event by facilitating the entry of everyone connected to it,” Rajoub said.
He said the World Cup is the most important sporting event in the world and that participation by football federation presidents in related activities, including the FIFA Congress, requires host countries to facilitate their entry.
