The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has called on Fifa to intervene urgently after numerous accredited journalists encountered visa-related difficulties ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
With only a few days remaining before the tournament begins, AIPS described the situation as unacceptable, noting that several media representatives who have been officially accredited by Fifa are still facing varying degrees of challenges in obtaining entry visas.
The organisation has urged Fifa to take immediate action to ensure that affected journalists are not wrongfully denied access to the United States and are able to carry out their professional duties during the competition.
On June 5, AIPS President Gianni Merlo, on behalf of the AIPS Executive Committee, sent a formal letter to FIFA Director of Media Relations Bryan Swanson and Fifa Head of Media Operations and Services Jochen Steinhoff, expressing concern over the issue.
In the letter, Merlo described the visa difficulties as a long-standing and unacceptable problem for journalists covering major sporting events.
"In this difficult time for the entire world, on the eve of the futuristic 2026 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves facing a long-standing and unacceptable problem for us journalists: the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues," Merlo wrote.
He pointed to several cases involving journalists from different regions, including Iran and Africa, some of whom have reportedly been issued single-entry visas.
Such restrictions could prevent them from re-entering the United States if they leave to cover matches in neighbouring co-host nations Canada or Mexico.
"There are many cases: Iranian colleagues, African colleagues, some of whom have been given single entries, so if their team goes to play in Canada or Mexico and they follow it, they can no longer return to the States. The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable," he stated.
Merlo argued that the situation runs contrary to the widely promoted values of sport as a unifying force capable of building bridges between people and nations.
"Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction," he added.
AIPS stressed that the presence of journalists at the tournament is essential not only for comprehensive coverage but also for promoting the values and image of sport on a global stage.
"We believe it is important to allow colleagues to attend the event and work, because their presence will be crucial to the image of sport and what it represents, especially in a country like the United States of America, where freedom of the press is a must," Merlo stated.
He also warned that delays in visa processing have already had financial consequences for many journalists, with some missing previously booked flights and facing additional travel expenses.
"I hope Fifa can do everything possible to secure visas. We're already significantly behind schedule, and many colleagues have already lost the opportunity to use plane tickets booked on time, and they'll also face significant additional expenses.," he concluded.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the largest edition of the tournament in history.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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