Donald Trump’s recent executive order temporarily banning travel into the United States by seven Middle Eastern countries continues to have a negative effect on the sporting world.
Meisam Rafiei, a member of the Icelandic national taekwondo team, was denied entry into the United States this week simply because he was born in Iran. ESPN’s Bonnie D. Ford reports Rafiei was supposed to compete at the US open at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. Margunbladid reports despite being given a boarding pass for his flight out of Iceland, Rafiei was pulled off his flight after U.S. authorities directed airline officials to prevent him from flying.
Steve McNally, USA Taekwondo’s communications, and marketing director confirmed Rafiei’s ban with ESPN. He said officials are working with the Olympic Committee to “try and resolve the situation in time for him to compete.”
Earlier this week, in a reactionary move against the ban, Iran banned U.S. citizens from entering the country. The response led to two U.S. citizens unable to play basketball with their Iranian team, being trapped in Dubai.
It’s a shame that all people, athletes included, are getting pulled from flights and told they’re not allowed to travel simply because the country they were born. It’s a backward way of thinking. The athlete ban is an unfortunate side effect of the executive order. Hopefully, Rafiei’s situation, and the entire travel ban can be rectified soon.
[Image via mbl.is/Ó mar Óskarsson] [ESPN]
