FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for restraint amid controversy over a Somalian referee being barred from entering the United States for the World Cup. Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed the case of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry despite holding a valid visa.
"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino told a press conference. "We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization."
U.S. authorities cited Artan's links to "suspected members of terror organizations" as the reason for the denial. The incident has highlighted immigration challenges ahead of the June 11 to July 19 tournament. Infantino emphasized that FIFA is working to find solutions but cannot override government decisions.