FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the controversy surrounding the start of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, specifically the rejection of Somali referee Omar Artan by U.S. authorities. While the African official was selected to officiate at the global tournament, his arrival in the United States was cut short, sparking a heated debate just hours before the competition kicks off.
In Mexico City, just before the World Cup opens, Gianni Infantino expressed his regret over this unexpected situation. He reminded everyone that FIFA does not have complete control over decisions made by the sovereign authorities of host countries. This was his first public reaction since the incident that prevented the Somali referee from joining the group of officials selected for the tournament.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to him, but we can’t control everything,” he stated during a press conference in the Mexican capital. This statement reflects both the embarrassment of the global governing body and its inability to intervene in the immigration and security procedures enforced by the United States.
The incident dates back to last weekend. According to several reports, Omar Artan was turned away upon his arrival at Miami International Airport in Florida on Saturday. The referee, considered one of the best African officials of his generation, was supposed to join his colleagues to prepare for the tournament’s opening matches. However, after a thorough check upon his arrival in the U.S., he was notified of a ban on entering the country.
Artan quickly contested this decision. He insisted he had all the necessary documents to travel and participate in the competition, including a valid visa issued for his official mission for the World Cup. This version raised many questions in the football world, with several observers wondering about the exact reasons for his expulsion.
On its part, the U.S. State Department provided a more sensitive explanation. U.S. authorities indicated that the Somali referee was “linked to individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations.” This accusation immediately fueled debates, with no further details released at this stage.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by organizers of major international competitions when held in particularly strict security contexts. It also raises questions about the coordination between sports bodies and government authorities responsible for border control.
For FIFA, this episode is an embarrassing setback as the 2026 World Cup prepares to kick off. As for Omar Artan, his dream of participating in the biggest event in world football has come to a sudden halt, despite being named among the referees selected for the tournament. Reactions continue to pour in as many uncertainties surround this decision.
