"Decisions on who has access are for the host countries to make," European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef told Euronews' flagship morning programme, Europe Today, responding to concerns over US travel restrictions affecting both fans and team officials ahead of the World Cup which has already resulted in border control incidents.
The tournament kicks off Thursday in Mexico, one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Canada, under the umbrella of FIFA, which looks expand its reach in the lucrative North American market. Its chief, Gianni Infatino, has built a close relation with US President Trump, awarding him the "Fifa Peace Prize: Football Unites the World", a title that did not exist prior to the US participation as host country under Trump.
Ahead of the opening game, the World Cup has already become embroiled in controversy after a Somali referee, Omar Atan, was held at the Miami International Airport this week and barred from entering the US over what authorities described as "vetting concerns". He will not be able to complete his games or enter the country.
The Commissioner responsible for sport said it is for the host country to set its security parameters but added that the games should bring "joy" to the world.
