The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed confidence that the 2028 Los Angeles Games will avoid the immigration issues that have plagued the build-up to the World Cup, including the refusal of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan by US officials.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that a dedicated taskforce is working with the US Olympic Committee to address potential problems. “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.
Coventry also addressed criticism of her stance against paying Olympic athletes, hinting at alternative support measures. “I have been asking the teams internally: ‘How do we increase Olympic solidarity scholarships? How do we find other innovative ways?’” she noted.
The IOC is monitoring the situation closely, with Coventry emphasising the need to advocate for athletes and their entourages to ensure their presence at the LA 2028 Games.
