FIFA President Gianni Infantino told critics to "chill" over the denial of US entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, stating that FIFA cannot dictate visa rules to governments. Artan, who was to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup, was barred from entering the United States by the Trump administration. Somalia is among countries affected by US travel restrictions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pushed back against criticism over the United States' denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Infantino said FIFA cannot dictate visa rules to governments and suggested critics should 'chill.'
As The Zioneer has reported, Artan was denied entry to the US after arriving in Miami, with the White House later defending the decision by citing individuals' alleged links to terrorist organizations. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow subsequently invited Artan to her city. The Trump administration's travel restrictions have affected several countries, including Somalia.
The incident has become a flashpoint in the debate over US visa policy ahead of the World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. Artan, a FIFA referee since 2018, was one of 52 referees selected for the tournament and would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals.
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