Omar Artan was one of 52 referees selected for the FIFA World Cup. But on Saturday he was denied entry because of “vetting concerns,” U.S. officials said.
Hussein was finally allowed in after nearly seven hours, but the team's photographer was barred from entering the United States, an Iraqi sporting official said.
Problems with processing visas had earlier led Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, on Mexico’s border with California.
After months of doubts over their participation, Iran’s players have received visas for the United States just days before the World Cup begins.
The Commerce Secretary said Thursday that only one person has been approved for the $1 million visa that lets foreigners live and work in the U.S.