Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged calm regarding controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, advising attendees to "chill, relax" despite several significant incidents.

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Just, you know, chill, relax.

Infantino's comments came on the eve of the tournament's opening match, following reports of a Somali referee, Omar Artan, being denied entry to the United States after hours of questioning on suspicion of terrorist links. Additionally, Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein faced extensive questioning at a Chicago airport, and members of the Iranian delegation were reportedly refused visas, leading to their team's base being switched to Mexico and their tickets canceled.

The article criticizes Infantino for not taking a stronger stance in defense of FIFA or the affected individuals. His characterization of the referee's expulsion as merely "unfortunate" and his robust defense of U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a World Cup in the U.S. would be "impossible" without him, are highlighted as dismissive.

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It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. But again, we don't control everything. We try, we'll discuss, we'll speak, we'll see. Maybe sometimes it's good as well to just, you know, chill, relax.

When questioned about visa issues affecting fans and team delegates, Infantino deflected by mentioning the upcoming 2035 Women's World Cup, questioning whether FIFA should dictate entry policies to the British government. This response contrasts sharply with historical instances, such as the UK government's concessions to allow North Korea to participate in the 1966 World Cup after diplomatic pressure, and Indonesia being stripped of hosting rights for the 2023 U-20 World Cup over its refusal to admit Israel.

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Would you find it normal that Fifa would dictate to the British government who to let in the country and who not to let in the country?