FIFA World Cup 2026: Journalists raise concerns over US visa restrict…

With only a few days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, AIPS finds it unacceptable that many colleagues, who have been duly accredited by FIFA to cover the tournament, are facing varying degrees of US visa challenges.

AIPS is calling on FIFA to intervene and ensure that the affected media representatives are not wrongfully denied entry into the USA.

On Friday, 5 June, the AIPS President, Gianni Merlo, on behalf of the AIPS Executive Committee, sent the letter below to Bryan Swanson, the FIFA Director of Media Relations, and Jochen Steinhoff, the FIFA Head of Media Operations & Services. chickenroadslot.lat

See the the letter below:

In this difficult time for the entire world, on the eve of the futuristic 2026 FIFA World Cup, we find ourselves facing a long-standing and unacceptable problem for us journalists: the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues.

There are many cases: Iranian colleagues, African colleagues, some of whom have been given single entries, so if their team goes to play in Canada or Mexico and they follow it, they can no longer return to the States. The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable. Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction.

We believe it is important to allow colleagues to attend the event and work, because their presence will be crucial to the image of sport and what it represents, especially in a country like the United States of America, where freedom of the press is a must.

I hope FIFA can do everything possible to secure visas. We are already significantly behind schedule, and many colleagues have already lost the opportunity to use plane tickets booked on time; they will also face significant additional expenses.

Thank you for your attention.

Gianni Merlo
AIPS President

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C’était la grande stupéfaction au stade omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo ce dimanche. A l’occasion de la 23e journée de la Mtn Elite One, Colombe affrontait le Canon sportif de Yaoundé. Une rencontre importante pour la course au titre. En effet, l’oiseau du Sud devait enchainer après sa brillante victoire face au leader, Unisport du Haut Nkam.

L’article Elite One : Ndanga Moudi, Emeyene et Cie, suspendus pour cette saison, sont déjà de retour ! est apparu en premier sur Camfoot.com.

Springbok attack coach Tony Brown insists the world champions are his “only focus” despite signing a two-year contract with NZ Rugby from 2028.

The 51-year-old will join the All Blacks coaching team under head coach Dave Rennie after the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Brown, a former All Blacks flyhalf, joined SA Rugby in 2024 on a four-year deal and has played a key role in shaping the Springboks’ attacking evolution under head coach Rassie Erasmus.

“My contract with New Zealand Rugby only begins in 2028, so there is still a long road ahead before that comes into play,” Brown said in a SA Rugby statement.

“Right now, I am fully committed to the Springboks. What we are building and trying to achieve as a team over the next two years is my only focus.”

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SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer thanked Brown for his contribution and praised the way he had handled the situation.

“We are grateful to Tony for his commitment, loyalty and honesty throughout his time with us,” said Oberholzer. “He has made a tremendous contribution to the Springboks and to SA Rugby as a whole since joining us.”

BEAVER: Tony coup the ultimate ‘power play’

Erasmus said Brown had always been open about his desire to return home.

“Tony has made a remarkable difference, both on and off the field.

“He has always been upfront with us about wanting to be closer to his family and about the All Blacks holding a special place in his heart, and we are genuinely delighted for him.

“We’ve made the mistake in the past of negotiating contracts in a World Cup year, and this clarity will allow us all to go full steam ahead with our preparations for this and next season.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post All Blacks-bound Brown ‘fully committed’ to Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.