@cgtneurope: FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the way soccer's governing body had handled visa issues ahead of the World Cup, saying that it was working to find solutions but could not override government decisions. Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed concerns surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the US despite having 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 organisation." The case has drawn attention to immigration challenges ahead of the June 11 - July 19 tournament after U.S. authorities said Artan was denied entry because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations". #fifa #usa #us #infantino #visa #omarartan

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Thursday 11 June 2026 16:30:10 GMT