The U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied entry on Friday to an Iraq national soccer team photographer and questioned a player for hours at O’Hare International Airport as the team arrived for an exhibition match this week ahead of the FIFA World Cup.The two were pulled aside for “additional inspection” after Iraq’s national team flew from Dubai International Airport. The inspections were a “routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” a customs spokesperson said.Iraq’s national team photographer was denied entry because of “vetting concerns,” according to the customs spokesperson. No other details were released.“All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the customs spokesperson said in a statement.According to news reports, the player held for questioning is Iraq striker Aymen Hussein. Reuters reported he was held for nearly seven hours.Iraq faces Venezuela in a friendly match Tuesday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. Its first World Cup game is June 16 in Massachusetts.The Iraq national soccer team has been an underdog story heading into this year’s World Cup, becoming the final team to qualify for the tournament. It’s the first time in 40 years it has qualified for the World Cup, the last time being the team’s only appearance.The Iraqi Football Association didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. ...read more read less