Ian Wright slams ‘World Cup chaos’ after Somali referee denied U.S. entry

Somali referee Omar Artan has revealed that he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite holding what he described as the correct documentation and visa.

Artan, who was set to make history as the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament, was removed from the list of match officials on Monday after being barred from entering the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport.

According to Artan, he possessed all the necessary travel documents required for the tournament but was nevertheless refused entry by US immigration authorities. No official explanation has been provided regarding the decision to repatriate him.

The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over travel restrictions affecting participants and supporters ahead of the global showpiece. Somalia is among several countries included on a travel ban list introduced under the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Following discussions with US authorities, world football governing body FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to take part in the tournament.

The development has generated widespread criticism, with former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright expressing his frustration over what he described as a growing pattern of entry-related issues surrounding the World Cup.

Speaking on social media, Wright said he was stunned by the latest development involving Artan after reports of fans, players, journalists and officials facing difficulties entering the host nation.

“I’ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs,” Wright said.

While initially reacting with disbelief, the former striker stressed that the situation was becoming increasingly serious and damaging to the image of the tournament.

“You know something I’m laughing but it’s not funny, it’s actually not funny and something has to be said,” he added.

Wright also criticized the financial burden being placed on supporters attending the competition, pointing to what he described as record ticket prices, expensive accommodation and soaring transport costs.

Questioning whether the treatment of participants and supporters reflected the spirit of football, Wright compared the current scrutiny surrounding the United States-hosted tournament to the criticism directed at previous World Cup hosts.

“Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world?” he asked. “Is this the spirit of football, really?”

The former England international reserved sympathy for American football supporters, suggesting they would be embarrassed by the growing controversy surrounding the tournament.

“I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this,” Wright said. “How embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.”

Wright went on to label the competition a “World Cup of chaos,” warning that teams and participants could face significant off-field challenges throughout the tournament.

“This is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done,” he stated.

The exclusion of Artan has added another layer of controversy to the tournament’s preparations and has raised fresh questions about access and inclusivity at football’s biggest event. With FIFA yet to provide further details beyond confirming his absence, attention is likely to remain focused on how travel and immigration issues continue to impact players, officials, media representatives and supporters during the World Cup.