Tashkent seeks clarification from Washington regarding rigorous security checks on football squad

The move follows the circulation of video footage on social media showing players and delegation members undergoing highly rigorous inspections before entering the Icahn Stadium in New York. The footage captured security personnel examining players with handheld metal detectors and searching the team’s luggage using service dogs in a heavily secured area. The restrictive nature of the screening drew widespread attention, with several international media outlets characterizing the security measures as unusually harsh for a sporting delegation.

Uzbekistan is seeking clear answers about the protocol through diplomatic channels, despite attempts by the team's coaching staff to downplay the incident.

The national team's head coach, Fabio Cannavaro, addressed the public reaction on his social media accounts, clarifying that the delegation viewed the checks as part of normal operational requirements for a major international tournament.

Cannavaro explained that World Cup participants travel under unique protocols, bypassing standard airport passenger terminals to board their aircraft directly from team buses on the tarmac. Because of this arrangement, all necessary border and security clearances must be conducted right on the runway. He stated that a similar protocol was applied at the arena before the match against the Netherlands.

According to the Italian coach, teams routinely undergo inspection either at their hotels before departure or directly upon arrival at the venue. He emphasized that the delegation did not perceive any disrespect or scandal during the process, describing the tournament’s overall organization as flawless.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a firmer stance on the matter. Through the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York, the ministry submitted an official inquiry to relevant American agencies requesting a thorough review of the incident.

Omonulla Fayziyev, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that while Tashkent acknowledges that security measures are dictated by the internal regulations of host nations, the execution of these protocols must remain balanced. He noted that the ministry considers it vital that such security procedures do not contradict the overarching spirit of international sporting events, which are fundamentally built on mutual respect and friendly bilateral relations.