“Chill, relax.”
That was FIFA President Gianni Infantino's message Wednesday as he sought to ease concerns over visa complications that have overshadowed the buildup to the World Cup, insisting that world soccer's governing body cannot dictate immigration decisions made by host countries.
Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed the case of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” Infantino said during his first World Cup news conference in three years.
“We are working on it, we are discussing it, and we will see what can be done. Sometimes it is also important to stay calm and not overreact. We are trying to resolve every issue that arises,” he added.
