Blatter Criticizes U.S. Following Somali Referee Controversy

Joseph Blatter, the former president of FIFA, has issued a strong rebuke to his successor, Gianni Infantino, amid the controversy surrounding the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Blatter described the incident as “unbelievable and ridiculous,” asserting that barring a referee from entering a host nation poses a serious issue that contradicts the principles of hosting the tournament.

The 90-year-old former FIFA chief condemned the actions as “shameful,” emphasizing that such behavior clashes with the spirit of global football and the standards expected in World Cup organization.

Blatter further criticized Infantino for needing to demonstrate complete independence from political pressures, alluding to his connections with former U.S. President Donald Trump. He insisted that FIFA’s decisions should remain uninfluenced by political considerations.

The controversy stems from Artan being denied entry into the U.S. despite having all necessary travel documents. Upon arrival in Miami, he was subjected to hours of questioning before being deported to Istanbul and barred from entering the country.

According to CNN, citing a government official, preliminary investigations linked Artan to alleged associations with individuals suspected of ties to terrorist organizations, which authorities cited as grounds for his exclusion.

It is noteworthy that Somalia is among 39 countries facing stringent immigration regulations imposed by the United States, belonging to a smaller group whose citizens are only allowed entry under specific exceptional circumstances.

Earlier in 2025, Infantino had assured that all teams and fans would be welcomed at the World Cup; however, FIFA later clarified that entry decisions ultimately rest with local governments.

Blatter presided over FIFA from 1998 until 2015 before resigning amid corruption scandals that later led to his suspension. In recent years, he has gained notoriety for his ongoing criticism of current FIFA management policies.