As the World Cup approaches, FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke out on the 10th about the recent U.S. visa denial for Somali football referee Omar Altan. He called the situation regrettable but stressed that FIFA can’t handle everything when it comes to visas and who gets into the U.S.
Infantino speaking at the pre-World Cup press conference. Photo: Media handout
At the press conference that day, a reporter asked if Infantino felt FIFA had “lost control of the tournament” after Altan was denied entry to the U.S., and some Iranian team staff also had their visas rejected. Infantino replied, “We’re always trying to find solutions, but we have to respect the fact that we’re not the ‘kings of the world’ who can command governments and police forces. We’re just a sports organization.”
Infantino added that Altan’s situation is unfortunate, and FIFA will try to communicate and work to resolve the issue.
Earlier, Altan was denied entry after arriving in Miami, missing out on this year’s World Cup. The Somali Football Federation released a statement on the 9th, expressing disappointment and saying they still haven’t received an official explanation from the U.S. Altan said his documents and visa were all valid, yet he was never told why he was rejected. Speaking from Istanbul on the 9th, he said, “I’m very, very disappointed. I’m just a referee chasing a dream. To step onto the World Cup pitch was the biggest wish of my life.”
Two months ago, FIFA announced the World Cup referee list, and Altan was included. He’s one of Africa’s top referees, winning the 2025 African Best Male Referee award, and was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, which handled his visa application, Altan received his U.S. visa last week.
