Gianni Infantino defends ‘chill’ approach to Somalian Referee’s, Omar Artan, US visa denial

FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the 20206 Fifa World Cup with the first press conference of the tournament on Wednesday.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has defended the organisation's measured response to the denial of a United States visa for Somalian referee Omar Artan, stating that they decided to “relax and chill” over the issue instead of “screaming and shouting,” which he believes “could make things worse.”

Artan was turned back at Miami Airport earlier this week and denied entry into the US due to alleged links with safety concerns for the World Cup co-hosting country.

Fifa acknowledged that the entry denial was solely the country’s decision. This outcome has effectively barred the Somalian referee from officiating at the World Cup, as the denial meant he would miss crucial pre-tournament referee training camps.

The incident has drawn criticism toward Fifa, with the organisation facing allegations that it failed to fight and intervene for one of its own, and allegedly succumbed to the influence of the country’s administration under President Donald Trump.