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Annalena Baerbock criticizes FIFA over World Cup entry issues

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 6:11 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Annalena Baerbock criticizes FIFA over World Cup entry issues

Summary

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock has criticized FIFA regarding entry denials at the World Cup during an event at the German House of Soccer in New York on June 17. She emphasized the importance of allowing everyone to participate and celebrate football together. Baerbock highlighted ongoing concerns with US entry rules impacting various nations and pointed out FIFA's inadequate response to the issue, the case of Somali referee Omar Artan. She called for a reassessment of these entry policies both during and after the World Cup.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Baerbock spoke at an event in New York on June 17.
•She criticized FIFA's handling of entry issues for the World Cup.
•Concerns include visa problems affecting several nations.
•Baerbock mentioned Somali referee Omar Artan's denied entry.
•She advocates for a review of these issues post-World Cup.

Latest Updates

6:11 AMYahoo Sports — UN's Baerbock renews criticism of FIFA over World Cup entry issues

What they're saying

"
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock has renewed her criticism of world football governing body FIFA over denied entries at the World Cup. Speaking at an event at the German House of Soccer in New York on Wednesday, the former German foreign minister said sport lived from bringing people together.
— Yahoo Sports

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