Iranian umpire can’t officiate at US Open

US sanctions against Iran have affected the chances of an Iranian tennis umpire officiating at this year's US Open.

Last May, the Iranian tennis referee Adel Borghei received confirmation that he had secured a coveted slot at the U.S. Open. “Congratulations,” the letter started.

He was scheduled to start work at the Open today, in the qualifying rounds. Instead, he is in Florida, in limbo, unable to fulfil what he described as a dream assignment because of U.S. sanctions against Iran.

In an email sent on behalf of Rich Kaufman, director of officials, the U.S. Tennis Association said “current United States law” prohibited the Open from “retaining the services of a resident of Iran”.

Adel Borghei, who has umpired tennis tournaments in more than 30 countries, says this should not be about politics but they're mixing up politics and sports

“This should not be about politics,” Borghei said in a telephone interview.

Source:  AP