FIFA Chief Says Limited Authority Over US Visa Approvals for World Cup
Before the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is fending off concern over potential visa issues for players and officials entering the United States. Infantino said FIFA is focused on being a “sports organization” and would not intervene in helping the U.S. determine approvals for entry into the country. “We try always to find solutions, always,” Infantino said Wednesday in a World Cup news conference in Mexico City. “But then we n
FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged the organization's constraints in addressing visa complications affecting players and officials attempting to enter the United States ahead of the World Cup tournament beginning Thursday in Mexico City. Infantino emphasized that FIFA operates as a sports body rather than a governing authority over national governments, stating the organization cannot dictate immigration policies. The comments came after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to Miami, allegedly due to suspected ties to terror organizations. Infantino characterized the situation as regrettable but stressed that FIFA works behind the scenes to resolve such matters. He also defended FIFA's handling of ticketing controversies under investigation by multiple state attorneys general, noting that average ticket prices fell below $500 and that only four complaints emerged from 800,000 tickets sold at California venues.
The statement reveals potential friction between FIFA and host nations over immigration enforcement during a major international sporting event, raising questions about tournament accessibility and the organization's actual influence over geopolitical issues.
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