FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described as “unfortunate” the decision to deny entry into the United States to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, ahead of the tournament, Infantino said FIFA regretted the situation but acknowledged that the organization had no authority over immigration decisions made by host governments.
“It is unfortunate what happened to Omar, the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything,” Infantino said.
“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization.”
Artan, who was named Africa’s top male referee last year, was denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport over the weekend. He was subsequently placed on a return flight to Turkey despite reportedly possessing a valid visa.
A United States State Department official stated that the referee was denied admission because he was allegedly associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations, making him ineligible for entry under US immigration laws.
The development means Artan will miss the World Cup, where he would have become the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.
Infantino was also questioned about reports that the United States had refused visas to 15 members of Iran’s World Cup support staff, prompting concerns about FIFA’s influence over tournament-related travel matters.
Responding to suggestions that FIFA had lost control of aspects of the tournament, the FIFA president defended the organization’s position, arguing that national governments retain sovereign authority over immigration decisions.
He cited the example of a future FIFA tournament in the United Kingdom, asking whether it would be reasonable for FIFA to dictate to the British government who should be allowed into the country.
Infantino also urged the media not to interpret FIFA’s position as inaction, stressing that the governing body continued to work behind the scenes to address issues affecting participants.
“When I say chill, I do not mean chill and do nothing. I mean we are working,” he said.
He added that security considerations remain a top priority worldwide and that governments ultimately determine who is granted entry into their territories.
The controversy surrounding Artan’s exclusion has drawn widespread attention within the football community, with many expressing disappointment that the award-winning official will be unable to take part in the tournament.
