The International Olympic Committee says it will not repeat the visa debacle that ensnared referees and delegations at the World Cup, pledging a dedicated taskforce to navigate US immigration hurdles before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry acknowledged that Africa's top referee, Omar Artan of Somalia, was refused entry by US officials ahead of the World Cup, as was Iran's delegation, which faced relocation from an Arizona training camp to Mexico and visa denials for some officials. FIFA, despite its access to the Trump administration, could not reverse those decisions.
Coventry told reporters that lessons are already being learned. "I am confident that in two years we will be able to overcome a number of the challenges that the World Cup is facing right now," she said. The taskforce is working directly with the US Olympic Committee to anticipate and resolve obstacles.
"Of course, we are following everything that's happening daily," Coventry added. "The taskforce and everyone on the ground now are learning and then it's our job to continue to monitor that and to advocate for athletes and their entourages to be able to ensure that they are there in the LA 28 Games."
The IOC's proactive stance comes as Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, separately called for a "massive rethink" of US immigration policy in the context of major sporting events.
Coventry also fielded criticism over her longstanding position against Olympic prize money for athletes. She acknowledged the backlash but defended the principle, noting that continental games and international federation competitions offer cash prizes that the Olympics does not.
"If we were not aware of it, weâd be hiding our heads under a pillow," she said. She suggested the IOC was exploring alternative support structures, including expanded Olympic solidarity scholarships and other innovative funding mechanisms aimed at helping every competing athlete without resorting to prize purses.
"I think we have a number of really cool, exciting commitments that you're all going to get to see," Coventry said, framing the shift as part of broader work since she took office.
Author James Rodriguez: "The IOC's taskforce sounds serious, but the visa mess that snarled the World Cup happened anyway, which means even careful planning can't guarantee smooth sailing in Trump-era America."
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