World Cup: FIFA defends its handling of the Omar Artan case

World Cup 2026 Today at 17:03

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

On the eve of the 2026 World Cup kickoff, the case of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan continues to fuel debate over the tournament’s organization. Questioned on Wednesday during his press conference in Mexico City, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was keen to defend the world body’s actions amid criticism sparked by the Somali official's refusal of entry into the United States.

Selected to officiate at the World Cup, Omar Artan ultimately could not enter the United States despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry visa. The situation has triggered a wave of outrage throughout the football world, especially in Somalia, where the referee was welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu.

FIFA cites security rules and state sovereignty

Responding to journalists’ questions about the difficulties some tournament participants faced in obtaining or using travel documents, Gianni Infantino emphasized that FIFA does not have the authority to decide host nations’ immigration policies.

"We live in a world where security issues are crucial. Decisions made must be respected," said the FIFA president, addressing criticism of the tournament’s organization.

The head of world football also underlined the behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve various visa and travel issues.

"We always try to make the situation as positive as possible and to find solutions. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t," he explained.

Without directly addressing the specifics of the Artan case, Gianni Infantino referenced several complex situations FIFA has faced in recent weeks. He notably highlighted the case of the Iranian national team, whose participation had raised numerous questions in the current geopolitical context.

According to him, these challenges do not undermine the overall organization of the competition.

"There are problems. That’s normal for an event of this scale. Some come from the United States, others from Canada or Mexico. We do everything we can to solve them," he stated.

As the tournament is set to begin, the Omar Artan affair remains one of the symbols of the logistical and administrative challenges FIFA faces in this first World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite the criticism, the world body continues to insist it is doing everything possible to ensure that football’s key figures can take part in the planet’s biggest competition.