International Sports Press Association Reports Visa Denials for Journalists Covering World Cup
The International Sports Press Association has reported that numerous Iranian and African journalists have been denied visas necessary to cover the FIFA World Cup in the United States. The association's president, Gianni Merlo, expressed concerns in a letter to FIFA officials, highlighting the issue as a long-standing problem for journalists. The letter emphasized the importance of allowing journalists to attend and cover the event, especially in a country like the United States, where freedom of the press is a fundamental value. The denial of visas has resulted in logistical challenges for journalists, including the loss of pre-booked flights and additional expenses. The World Cup, which features 48 teams, is set to take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with several teams requiring multi-entry visas due to matches scheduled in different countries. 
