Infantino Defends FIFA Amid World Cup Visa Controversies: ‘We Are Not the Kings of the World’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to growing criticism over visa-related issues surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that football's governing body cannot control the decisions of sovereign governments.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, just hours before the start of the tournament, Infantino addressed concerns that FIFA may have lost control over certain aspects of the competition, particularly regarding the entry of officials, support staff, and visitors into the United States.
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at the U.S. border, while members of Iran's national team's support staff were reportedly refused visas ahead of the tournament.
When asked whether FIFA had "lost control of the tournament" because of such incidents, Infantino defended the organization's role and limitations.
"We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces; we are a sports organization," he said.
The FIFA president emphasized that while the governing body works to facilitate participation and ensure the smooth running of competitions, immigration policies and border control decisions ultimately remain the responsibility of national authorities.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening fixture.
A Growing Challenge for Global Tournaments
Infantino's comments highlight a recurring challenge faced by international sporting events: balancing the global nature of competition with the domestic laws of host nations.
Major tournaments such as the World Cup are designed to bring together players, officials, journalists, and supporters from every corner of the world. However, issues involving visas, border restrictions, and diplomatic tensions can sometimes complicate that mission.
Critics argue that host nations should ensure smoother access for all accredited participants, especially when staging an event intended to celebrate international unity. On the other hand, governments maintain the right to enforce their immigration and security policies regardless of sporting commitments.
The incidents involving Iranian officials and Somali referee Omar Artan have reignited debate about how much influence FIFA should have when such disputes arise.
While Infantino's statement may not satisfy everyone, it reflects the reality that FIFA's authority largely ends where national sovereignty begins. The organization can negotiate, advocate, and coordinate, but it cannot override immigration laws or government decisions.
As the tournament gets underway, attention will now shift from off-field controversies to the action on the pitch. However, the visa debate serves as a reminder that organizing a global event of the World Cup's scale involves far more than football alone.
For FIFA, the challenge will be ensuring that administrative and political issues do not overshadow what promises to be one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world.
