World Cup 2026: Sepp Blatter condemns FIFA after Somali referee refused entry to US

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised world football’s governing body after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The incident has triggered fresh debate over the obligations of World Cup host nations, with Blatter arguing that FIFA should have ensured all tournament officials were guaranteed access to participate in the competition.

Blatter Questions FIFA’s Commitment to Hosting Rules

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, the former FIFA chief described the situation as both “unbelievable and crazy,” insisting that host countries must meet certain conditions before staging football’s biggest tournament.

Blatter argued that one of the most important responsibilities of a host nation is to provide entry visas for all FIFA officials, including referees appointed to officiate at the World Cup.

“When a country is given the honor of hosting the World Cup, there are two indispensable rules: security and guaranteeing entry visas for all FIFA officials. There is nothing more official than a referee. If a country refuses entry to a referee, this is a serious problem, and the tournament should not be held there.”

Omar Artan Denied Entry Upon Arrival

According to reports, Artan travelled to Miami, Florida, as part of the refereeing contingent selected for the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

However, upon his arrival, US immigration authorities reportedly deemed him inadmissible and returned him to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital city.

The decision has raised questions about whether all officials involved in the tournament have been provided with the necessary access to carry out their duties.

Former FIFA President Places Responsibility on Governing Body

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 until 2015, believes the organisation bears responsibility for the controversy. He argued that FIFA has failed to uphold a key principle traditionally associated with hosting major international tournaments.

Although he acknowledged that the competition cannot be halted at this stage, he maintained that the situation reflects poorly on both FIFA and the host nation.

“The tournament cannot be stopped now, but this is shameful… FIFA has abandoned a principle that the host country has not respected.”

Controversy Emerges Days Before Kick Off

The dispute comes just days before the start of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. The 2026 edition features 48 national teams and will be staged across three countries for the first time.

While preparations for the tournament continue, Blatter’s remarks have brought renewed attention to FIFA’s handling of administrative and logistical matters ahead of the global showpiece.