FIFA's Infantino says soccer org. 'not kings of world,' US decides who can enter, amid visa scandal

FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged that the soccer organization is not omnipotent, stating, "we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces." Speaking ahead of the World Cup's kickoff in Mexico City, Infantino addressed concerns regarding potential visa issues for players and officials entering the United States.

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We try always to find solutions, always. But then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, and I don't know what. We are a sports organization, we try to do our best with the means that we have.

Infantino described the denial of entry for Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, as "unfortunate." A US official cited Artan's alleged "association with suspected terror organizations" as the reason for his flight being turned away in Miami. Infantino suggested that FIFA prefers a "chill and relax" approach to such issues rather than escalating conflict, believing that immediate outcry can be counterproductive in finding solutions.

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Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect in terms of finding a solution.

Despite these challenges, Infantino expressed no regrets about selecting the United States as a co-host for the tournament. He clarified FIFA's active role in supporting participants, particularly highlighting the complex arrangements for the Iranian team, which involves shuttling between Mexico and the US. "We don't live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, and we try our best," he said, emphasizing FIFA's behind-the-scenes efforts.

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I don't mean to chill and do nothing, I mean to trust us that we are working behind the scenes, trying to understand. There are things we are told, things we are not told. We always try to make things positive and find a solution.

Infantino also touched upon allegations of misleading ticket pricing structures, noting that FIFA revealed average ticket prices were less than $500. He indicated a measured response to ticketing concerns, stating that only a small number of complaints had reached his desk out of hundreds of thousands of tickets sold for matches in California.

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It has been successful to bring Iran to play in America, I don't know who would've managed to do that ... we don't live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, and we try our best.