“Chill and Relax”: Infantino Responds to Referee’s US Visa Denial

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the denial of entry to the United States for Somali referee Omar Artan as “unfortunate,” urging the football community to “chill and relax.”

In comments at a press conference, Infantino addressed the case of Artan, who was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but barred from entering the US, one of the host nations.

“We don’t control everything,” Infantino said. “We try, we discuss, we see. Maybe sometimes it’s good as well to just chill and relax.”

He emphasised FIFA’s limited authority over immigration decisions. “We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation,” he added, while calling for unity ahead of the tournament.

Artan, named Africa’s top referee in 2025 and set to become the first Somali official at a World Cup, was dropped from the panel following the denial.

FIFA has confirmed he will not participate.