Blatter slams Infantino over Somali referee's World Cup entry issue

Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter has sharply criticized the current administration over an incident involving Somali referee Omar Artan at the 2026 World Cup. Blatter asserted that host nations bear fundamental obligations to ensure the safety and unimpeded entry of all participants.

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A host country of a FIFA World Cup must guarantee two fundamental principles: The security of the country and the unrestricted entry of all qualified teams, officials and referees.

"A host country of a FIFA World Cup must guarantee two fundamental principles: The security of the country and the unrestricted entry of all qualified teams, officials and referees," Blatter stated on his X account. He specifically pointed to Artan's case as a violation of these commitments.

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The case of the referee Omar Artan, from Somalia, goes against one of these obligations.

Blatter further stressed the importance of upholding the sport's global reach, declaring, "FIFA must never compromise the universality of football." His remarks highlight a controversy surrounding Artan's entry into the United States, raising questions about the immigration requirements faced by tournament officials and the responsibilities of the organizing nations.

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FIFA must never compromise the universality of football.