Infantino tells critics to 'chill and relax' over Somali referee's US entry ban

FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged critics to “chill and relax” on Wednesday after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, insisting FIFA is not able to “overrule administrations” and that shouting is “the opposite to finding a solution.”

Artan was refused entry to the US earlier this week. A White House representative stated he was denied access due to an “association with suspected members of terror organizations,” a claim that drew widespread condemnation from within the football community.

Addressing the controversy at his first public press conference in three years, Infantino acknowledged the situation was “unfortunate” but stopped short of any direct criticism of the US administration. “We don’t control everything,” he said. “We try, we will discuss, we will see. We have to respect we aren’t kings of the world who can overrule administrations, the police — we are a sports organisation, we try to do our best.”

On Iran, whose football federation had already issued several statements over visa difficulties upon arriving in the United States, Infantino was notably warmer. He revealed he had personally visited the Iranian squad in Turkey in March and made them a direct promise that they would participate in the tournament.

“People were saying it would be impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup,” Infantino said. “I promised them that they would come and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran and drive them, I would do that.”

Iran’s participation had been in doubt given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the diplomatic friction surrounding their visa applications, making their presence at the tournament a significant logistical achievement according to the FIFA president.

Infantino also addressed the broader visa process, noting that FIFA had worked with the American administration to establish a dedicated FIFA pass system designed to expedite entry for players, officials, and fans. He added that financial bonds normally required from certain African nations had been waived for those travelling to the tournament. He conceded, however, that the system was “maybe not working always with everyone.”

The press conference came just one day before the tournament’s opening fixture, with Infantino’s remarks on Artan likely to intensify scrutiny of FIFA’s willingness — or ability — to push back against host nation decisions that affect match officials and football stakeholders.