ByFIELD LEVEL MEDIA, REUTERS

JUNE 11, 2026 09:38

Ahead of the World Cup opening in Mexico City, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed worries about possible visa problems for players and officials traveling to the United States.

Infantino noted that FIFA focuses on its role as a sports organization and will avoid any direct involvement in United States entry decisions.

"We always seek solutions," Infantino stated at a news conference in Mexico City on Wednesday. "Yet we must accept that we are not rulers over governments or police forces. We are a sports organization doing our best with available resources."

Infantino described the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan as unfortunate, without providing specific details on the case.

A US official indicated that Artan was turned away upon arrival in Miami from Istanbul because of alleged links to suspected terror group members. FIFA recognizes that in some visa situations it is better to stay calm rather than escalate tensions.

Ticket issues, visa matters, and Iranian team logistics

"Starting with loud protests can hinder finding resolutions," he added.

Infantino expressed no regrets over choosing the United States as a co-host for the expanded 48-team event.

Regarding the Iranian squad, which shifted training to Mexico and will travel for matches in the US before returning to Tijuana, he stressed that FIFA continues to support participants actively.

"I do not suggest doing nothing. Trust that we work quietly to understand the situation," he said. "Some information reaches us while other details do not. We aim to stay positive and resolve issues."

"Bringing Iran to compete in America has proven successful. We operate in the real world and do our utmost."

The same approach applies to probes by attorneys general in New Jersey, New York, California, and Texas concerning ticket pricing claims. FIFA reported that average ticket prices came in below 500 dollars.

Infantino mentioned receiving only four complaints from roughly 800,000 tickets sold for games in San Francisco and Inglewood, California, and said FIFA will respond calmly to the ticket concerns.

"Before selling seven million tickets we consulted top lawyers and experts on our plans," he explained.

"In California alone we sold 800,000 tickets for Los Angeles and San Francisco matches. Just three buyers raised issues initially, with one more later. Those matters were handled before any investigations began. We accept inquiries and will share full details. Every dollar earned returns to football."

Trump administration cites terror concerns in Somali referee case

The Somali referee traveling for the World Cup was denied US entry due to possible terrorism connections, according to a Trump administration official speaking to Fox News.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, age 34, arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from Istanbul on Saturday but was rejected by US Customs and Border Protection.

"Further checks revealed derogatory information including ties to suspected terror organization members, rendering the traveler inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act," the statement said.

"The traveler received removal paperwork citing the relevant INA section. The administration will block any security risk from entering the country."

Infantino responded to questions about US entry controls at his press conference and referenced the Artan situation directly.

"The incident with Omar, the referee from Somalia, is unfortunate. We do not control every aspect," Infantino said. "We try, we talk, we explore options. Sometimes it helps to stay calm and work through matters."

Artan earned the 2025 Male Referee of the Year award from the Confederation of African Football and would have become the first Somali official at a World Cup match.

Reports indicated that Artan had received a visa processed through the Somalia Embassy in Kenya the previous week.