Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry has formally requested clarification from US authorities following enhanced security checks involving members of the country’s national football team at a New York airport.

The incident occurred ahead of a scheduled match at Icahn Stadium, when players and team staff underwent additional screening procedures upon arrival, The Caspian Post reports via Anhor.uz.

The team’s luggage was thoroughly inspected, with security measures including metal detectors and canine units. Similar procedures were also applied to other participating national teams, including Senegal and Belgium.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry emphasized that it has already established contact with relevant US agencies through its Consulate General in New York to obtain official explanations regarding the circumstances of the checks.

At the same time, the ministry stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between necessary security protocols and the spirit of international sporting events, which are intended to promote cooperation, respect, and fair competition among nations.