CORNERFLICK
The International Sports Press Association has called on FIFA to step in after saying many accredited journalists are facing problems getting US visas ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
AIPS said the situation is unacceptable and wrote to FIFA on Friday, 5 June, with president Gianni Merlo addressing media relations director Bryan Swanson and media operations and services chief Jochen Steinhof.
The letter cited cases involving Iranian and African journalists. AIPS said some have only been issued single-entry visas, which would stop them returning to the United States if they travel to Canada or Mexico to cover matches involving their teams.
AIPS said the issue has left reporters behind schedule, with some missing the chance to use tickets they had already bought and facing extra costs.
The organisation said media access matters because journalists play a key role in presenting the sport and its values, particularly in the United States, where press freedom is a basic principle.
AIPS ended by urging FIFA to move quickly to ease the restrictions and help accredited reporters get to the tournament.