Gianni Infantino defends ‘chill’ approach to Somalian Referee’s, Omar Artan, US visa denial

FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the 20206 Fifa World Cup with the first press conference of the tournament on Wednesday. Fifa President Gianni Infantino has defended the organisation’s measured response to the denial of a United States visa forSomalian referee Omar Artan, stating that they decided to “relax and chill” over the issue instead of “screaming and shouting,” which he believes “could make things worse.” Artan was turned back at Miami Airport earlier this week and denied entry into the US due toalleged links with safety concerns for the World Cup co-hosting country. Fifa acknowledged that the entry denial was solely the country’s decision.

This outcome has effectively barred the Somalian referee from officiating at the World Cup, as the denial meant he would miss crucial pre-tournament referee training camps. Speaking at his official opening tournament press conference in Mexico City, near the Azteca Stadium which will host the opening match between co-host Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, Infantino said Fifa still hopes to find a solution to Artan’s visa issue. “It is unfortunate what happened to Omar, the referee from Somalia.

But then we don’t control everything. We’ll try, discuss, speak, and we’ll see,” Infantino said. “Maybe sometime, it’s good to chill and relax.

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We’ll work on everything and try to solve everything.” Infantino argued that immediate confrontation would be counterproductive, stating: “Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution. Believe me when I tell you – or don’t believe me if you want – we always try to find solutions.”

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