IRAQ star Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for seven hours after arriving in the United States for the World Cup.
Hussein, 30, touched down at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago alongside his team-mates on Saturday.
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Aymen Hussein scored the goal that sealed Iraq’s qualification Credit: Reuters
Hussein, 30, is set to star for his nation at just their second ever World Cup Credit: Reuters
Amid the interrogation, an Iraqi official claims that Hussein’s phone was examined by officers.
The striker was finally allowed to enter United States after around seven hours.
But team photographer Talal Salah was denied entry following more than 10 hours of interrogation.
Hussein is a hero of Iraqi football and has scored 32 times in 90 caps for his country.
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The Al-Karma star scored the goal that famously sealed his country’s qualification for this summer’s World Cup, just the second in their nation’s history.
The Lions of Mesopotamia defeated Bolivia 2-1 earlier this year to reach a World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years.
Iraq stepped up their tournament preparations by drawing 1-1 with Spain in La Coruna on Thursday evening.
They will conclude their World Cup warm-ups with a friendly against Venezuela in Bridgeview, Ilinois on Tuesday evening.
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Iraq drew 1-1 with Spain on Thursday evening Credit: AP
Graham Arnold’s side have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Senegal.
They will kick off their first World Cup campaign since 1986 by facing Norway in Foxborough on June 16.
