FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking during a press briefing in Mexico, Infantino stated that FIFA is not the “king of the world” and cannot override the immigration and security decisions of sovereign governments.
The FIFA boss described the situation as “unfortunate” but did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the US decision or indicate whether he had been informed.
Infantino Says FIFA Cannot Override Govt Decisions
According to Infantino, FIFA is focused on its role as a sports organisation and will not interfere with decisions made by US authorities regarding entry into the country.
He also said FIFA understands that there are times to “chill and relax” when visa issues arise rather than escalating tensions.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. Again, we don’t control everything. We try, we will discuss, we will speak, we will see. Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax; we work on everything; we try to solve everything. Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution.”
“But then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces and I don’t know what. We are a sports organization; we try to do our best with the means that we have.”
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The 34-year-old — Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025 — was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. However, he was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
Following the decision, FIFA removed Artan from the tournament roster.
Infantino’s news conference came shortly after comments by the White House, which said the Donald Trump administration is working to ensure that “the right people” are allowed into the country for the World Cup.
Somalia is among 12 countries subject to a travel ban imposed by President Trump.
Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred From US Over Alleged Security Links
Artan was denied entry to the United States because of his “association with suspected members of terror organizations”, according to a US official quoted by the BBC.
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Customs and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered, making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),” a Trump administration source said, as quoted by the BBC.
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under Section 235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
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Artan told the New York Times on Tuesday that he was questioned by border officials over his links to Somali militant group Al Shabab.
Upon landing at the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday, June 10, Artan made a brief statement to the media, expressing his determination to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
“I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport],” Artan said in words which have been translated into English by the BBC.
“Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu. I promise you I’ll be officiating at the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”
