Blatter criticizes FIFA over referee's U.S. entry denial ahead of World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 3:10 PM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter condemned the organization and its current president, Gianni Infantino, regarding the denial of entry for World Cup referee Omar Artan into the United States. Blatter stated that it is 'unbelievable and absurd' for a referee to be refused entry before the tournament begins. Artan, a Somali national, was stopped despite having travel documents and was deported after several hours of questioning by Customs and Border Protection. The incident occurred in the context of U.S. immigration laws affecting nationals from specific countries. FIFA has acknowledged that the host government controls visa admissions, while Blatter urged opposition and protest from other federations.
- •Omar Artan denied entry to the U.S. before the World Cup start.
- •Blatter criticizes FIFA for not addressing the issue adequately.
- •Artan questioned for hours before being deported to Istanbul.
- •U.S. immigration laws impact nationals from certain countries.
- •FIFA states host governments determine visa admissions.
- 9:08 PMYahoo Sports — Trust FIFA worked behind scenes on World Cup referee denied US entry, Infantino says
- 3:10 PMYahoo Sports — 'Unbelievable and absurd': Blatter on World Cup referee affair
"Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has hit out at football's ruling body and his successor there, Gianni Infantino, in connection with World Cup referee Omar Artan who was denied entry into the United States ahead of Thursday's tournament start. “It’s unbelievable and absurd.
"FIFA president Gianni Infantino says US denying entry to World Cup referee Omar Artan is "unfortunate," but there is little his organization can do.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 9:08 PMTrust FIFA worked behind scenes on World Cup referee denied US entry, Infantino says
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says US denying entry to World Cup referee Omar Artan is "unfortunate," but there is little his organization can do.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 3:10 PM'Unbelievable and absurd': Blatter on World Cup referee affair
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has hit out at football's ruling body and his successor there, Gianni Infantino, in connection with World Cup referee Omar Artan who was denied entry into the United States ahead of Thursday's tournament start. “It’s unbelievable and absurd.
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