FIFA President Gianni Infantino told critics to "chill and relax" after a Somali referee was denied entry to the United States [1].
The comments follow a growing controversy regarding the 2026 World Cup [3], as the organization faces scrutiny over immigration hurdles and soaring ticket costs.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Infantino addressed the backlash surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied a visa to enter the U.S. [1, 2]. The incident has sparked wider criticism of FIFA's handling of immigration policies for the upcoming tournament [3].
Infantino sought to deflect the pressure by suggesting that the public should have more confidence in the governing body. "People should chill and relax," Infantino said [2].
He further acknowledged the limitations of the organization's power in relation to national border laws. "We are not kings of the world," Infantino said [1].
The president also urged those criticizing the organization's current trajectory to "put faith in FIFA," according to reports from the press conference [4].
The visa denial for Artan is part of a broader set of challenges facing the 2026 event, which is being hosted across North America. Critics have pointed to the intersection of strict immigration policies and the global nature of the sport as a primary point of friction, one that FIFA must navigate to ensure all officials and participants can attend.
“"People should chill and relax."”
This interaction highlights the tension between FIFA's global ambitions and the sovereign immigration laws of its host nations. By distancing the organization from the visa process, Infantino is attempting to shield FIFA from political liability while simultaneously managing public perception regarding accessibility and fairness in the lead-up to the tournament.
