How US travel ban could impact foreign athletes for LA 28 Olympics with Donald Trump set to update 'red list'
A new travel ban that is reportedly being finalised by the Trump administration will likely spark concern in the sporting world ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
It has emerged in recent days that US president Donald Trump has proposed a so-called "red list" of countries that could be barred from entering the United States.
Back in 2017, Trump issued an executive order in his first term of presidency which suspended entry of individuals from six predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
The US president said his decision to introduce the ban was part of plans to keep radical terrorist groups out of the country.
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Now, a report from The New York Times claims a new travel ban is being finalised that would be 'broader' than the versions Trump issued in his first term.
The report claims the proposed red list currently consists mainly of countries whose nationals were restricted under versions of Trump’s previous travel ban. Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen are named.
Afghanistan and Pakistan could also be included on the red list, according to Reuters.
Whether a new list will be created is not yet clear, but people from countries that were previously targeted by a travel ban have been warned they could once again be blocked by the US government.
So would the travel ban impact those taking part in the LA Olympic Games in 2028?
That is not yet clear, but back in January 2017 – when Trump banned immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries – the US Olympic Committee was told by Trump’s government that the ban should not impact athletes traveling to the United States for international events.
Larry Probst, who was USOC chairman at the time, commented on the situation alongside then-chief executive Scott Blackmun.
"We have been specifically asked about the impact that the executive order could have on athletes and officials coming to the United States to compete," they said.
“The US government has today advised us that it will work with us to ensure that athletes and officials from all countries will have expedited access to the United States in order to participate in international athletic competitions.“
Earlier this month, the International Olympic Committee said they were confident of Trump's continued support amid reports around the proposed travel ban.
"What my advice would be [to my successor] is to have confidence in the support of President Trump and his administration for the Games in Los Angeles," said outgoing IOC president Thomas Bach.
"He has been a promoter and supporter of these Games during his first term. These Games were allocated to Los Angeles during the first term. He loves sport."
Bach added: "We also see that there is a very good relationship established between the organizing committee and President Trump and his administration. The same is true for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee."
Jack Kenmare