FIFA Chief Defends US as World Cup Host Amid Visa Controversy
Theo Al Jazeera English
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends the US as a World Cup host amid a visa controversy, stating FIFA cannot override US government decisions. The remarks follow the denial of entry to a Somali referee with a valid visa.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dismissed concerns over visa issues for players and officials traveling to the United States for the World Cup, stating that the leadership of global football's governing body is not “king of the world” and cannot interfere with government decisions.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City ahead of the tournament, Infantino said FIFA focuses on its role as a “sports organization” and will not intervene to help the US determine entry permits. “We always try to find solutions, but we must respect that we are not kings of the world who can order governments and police around. We are a sports organization,” he said.
Earlier this week, the US denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was scheduled to participate in the World Cup, despite his valid visa. Infantino called the incident “unfortunate” but did not elaborate or comment on the reasons behind the US decision. FIFA subsequently removed Artan from the tournament's referee list.
The press conference came after US President Donald Trump said his administration was working to ensure “the right people” entered the country for the World Cup. Infantino said FIFA understands that sometimes it is necessary to “relax and rest” when visa issues arise, rather than creating further conflict: “Sometimes shouting immediately is counterproductive in finding a solution.”
Infantino affirmed that FIFA does not regret choosing the US as one of the three host nations for the 48-team tournament.
This year's World Cup also marks the first time in history (since 1930) that a host nation is welcoming a country with which it is at war. The US and Israel's war against Iran has turned the world's biggest sporting event into a geopolitical confrontation, with both Washington and Tehran using the tournament for political purposes. Iranian players were granted US visas 10 days before their first match in Los Angeles. The Iranian team has moved its training base to Mexico and will travel to matches in the US before flying back to Tijuana.
Infantino emphasized that FIFA has not been passive in supporting participating teams: “I don't mean to say relax and do nothing. I mean trust that we are working behind the scenes, trying to understand. There are things we are told, and things we are not. We always try to do everything positively and find solutions. Bringing Iran to play in the US is a success, I don't know who else could have done that... We don't live on the moon; we live on Earth and do our best.”
