Kuwait Olympic Committee files official complaint against the Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee
- To clarify the reasons behind barring three players from entering Japan despite the issuance of official accreditation cards that serve as entry visas
- Al-Mari: We fulfilled all procedures... The decision was issued by Japanese authorities at Nagoya Airport
Ali Al-Mari, Assistant Secretary-General of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, clarified that the Committee has filed an official complaint against the organizing committee of the "Nagoya 2026" Asian Games, demanding an explanation for why three players from the Kuwaiti national senior football team were denied entry into Japan, despite having received official accreditation cards from the organizing committee. These cards explicitly state that they constitute entry visas to the host country.
News
Newspapers
News Services
Al-Mari stated in a media interview that the Kuwait Olympic Committee had fulfilled all approved procedures and requirements, and had submitted all data and documents pertaining to the members of the Kuwaiti delegation, including the three players, to the organizing committee within the specified deadlines. These documents were received from the Kuwait Football Association in accordance with established procedures.
He noted that the organizing committee issued official accreditation cards to the players after receiving their data and travel documents. He clarified that the three players hold travel documents issued under Article (17), and that the decision to deny them entry was made by the competent Japanese authorities at Nagoya Airport.
He added that the Kuwaiti delegation arrived in the Thai capital, Bangkok, and then departed for Japan. Upon arrival, the players presented their travel documents and official accreditation cards issued by the organizing committee in accordance with established procedures; however, the competent authorities at Nagoya Airport refused them entry.
Al-Mari emphasized that the Kuwait Olympic Committee immediately initiated communications and took necessary measures with the relevant authorities to address the issue and enable the players to join the delegation and participate in the Games.
He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah, the Chargé d'Affaires of the State of Kuwait’s Embassy in Japan, for his efforts, cooperation, and continuous initiatives to contribute to resolving this matter.
Al-Mari concluded by reaffirming the Kuwait Olympic Committee’s full commitment to protecting the rights of Kuwaiti athletes and enabling them to represent the State of Kuwait at all international sporting events.
