FIFA President regrets World Cup referee veto: "We don't control everything"

The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, defended this Wednesday (10) the way in which the entity has dealt with issues related to visas before the World Cup, stating that it works to find solutions, but cannot override government decisions.

Speaking on the eve of the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed concerns surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States despite having a valid visa.

"What happened to the Somali referee is regrettable," said Infantino during a press conference.

"We don't control everything in the world to command governments and police forces. We are a sports organization."

The case drew attention to the challenges related to immigration on the eve of the tournament, played between June 11 and July 19, after US authorities stated that Artan was denied entry due to links with "suspected members of terrorist organizations".

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Source: CNN