Omar Artan, the World Cup referee barred from entering the United States, was given a hero's welcome upon his return to Somalia. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with journalist Jonathan Liew labeling him "one of sport's greatest cowards."
US Visa Controversy Highlights Power Shift
The United States, co-host of the 2026 men's World Cup, has taken a hardline stance on visa restrictions, drawing comparisons to historical events. Unlike previous hosts that sought to soften their image, the Trump administration has been unapologetic, with Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, stating: "We want to make sure we are not going to allow a soccer tournament to be the opportunity for terrorists to potentially get in the country."
Artan, a referee from Somalia, was denied entry just days before the tournament. President Trump has previously described Somalis as "garbage" and "crooks." This is not an isolated incident: the vice-captain of Iraq was detained for seven hours, 13 members of the Iranian delegation are still waiting for visas, and 11 of the 48 participating countries—all from the global south—face travel restrictions or high visa rejection rates.
FIFA's Hypocrisy Exposed
FIFA had previously used its leverage over host countries. In 2014, it threatened to strip Curitiba of hosting rights over stadium delays. In 2018, it secured visa-free entry for fans in Russia and overturned a ban on a German journalist. However, the balance of power has shifted. The US does not need FIFA's money; the economic impact is negligible, less than 0.1% of GDP. Conversely, FIFA relies on the US market for revenue growth, especially with the expanded 48-team format.
Infantino has been accused of cowardice, failing to defend the tournament's integrity. Liew writes: "Infantino is, of course, the symptom rather than the disease. And yet, given his own self-image as a kind of messianic pan-global statesman, there is a certain irony in the fact that this summer will cement his legacy as one of sport's greatest cowards."
Implications for Future World Cups
The power imbalance may set a precedent for future events, including the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Liew argues that FIFA's prostration before autocratic power and commercial imperatives undermines the spirit of the tournament. "The World Cup has not seized control of the US. Instead the US has seized control of the World Cup, taken this cherished global heirloom and turned the whole thing a shade of puce Maga."
As the tournament proceeds with games split into four quarters, empty seats, and masked police presence, Liew concludes: "Enjoy your World Cup... the long lingering shots of Infantino and JD Vance in the stands."
