FIFA Shrugs Off World Cup Visa Chaos, Tells Critics To ‘Chill And Relax’

Published 11 June 2026 · sports

FIFA Shrugs Off World Cup Visa Chaos, Tells Critics To ‘Chill And Relax’ Published By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 08:11 IST Visa disputes, a

FIFA Shrugs Off World Cup Visa Chaos, Tells Critics To ‘Chill And Relax’ Published By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 08:11 IST Visa disputes, a rejected World Cup referee and Iran staff denied entry have put FIFA under pressure, but Gianni Infantino insists the organization cannot override governments. Rapid Read FIFA President Gianni Infantino (AP) ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ appears to be Gianni Infantino’s approach as FIFA faces growing scrutiny over a series of World Cup-related visa controversies just days before the tournament kicks off. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, the FIFA president defended the organization’s handling of entry issues affecting tournament participants, insisting that FIFA cannot dictate immigration policy to sovereign governments. BBC journalist to Infantino: “Are you embarrassed by what’s happening at this World Cup and have you lost control of the tournament?"#FIFAWorldCup2026 #WorldCupwithMicky pic.twitter.com/p6c8o2VPGC— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 10, 2026 “Believe me when I tell you, or don’t believe me if you don’t want, but we try always to find solutions, always," Infantino said.

His remarks came after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite being selected to officiate at the World Cup. Artan, who was named Africa’s top men’s referee last year, would have become the first Somali official to work at a World Cup finals. According to U.S. authorities, Artan was deemed ineligible for admission because of alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organizations. Artan has maintained that he possessed the correct visa documentation. He was turned away at Miami International Airport and flown back to Turkey. “It is unfortunate as well what happened to Omar, the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything," Infantino said. The controversy comes alongside reports that 15 members of Iran’s World Cup support staff were denied U.S. visas, forcing adjustments to the team’s preparations, including relocating its training base to Tijuana, Mexico. When asked whether FIFA had effectively lost control of parts of its own tournament, Infantino pushed back strongly.

“We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization," he said. The FIFA chief also urged critics and media outlets to “chill and relax," later clarifying that he did not mean FIFA was ignoring the problems. “When I say chill, I do not mean chill and do nothing. I mean we are working," he said. Infantino also defended FIFA’s decision to stage the tournament in the United States despite the mounting controversies and reiterated his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. “I have a great relationship with President Trump," Infantino said. “Without his engagement and his involvement, I think it would have been impossible, as simple as that, impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States." The World Cup begins tonight at the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico face South Africa in the opening match. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.