FIFA President addresses visa issues ahead of World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at a press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the start of the World Cup, also addressed questions regarding visa-related issues.

Infantino said that FIFA does not control everything when it comes to visa issuance and decisions on who is allowed entry into the United States, CE Report quotes STA.

When asked whether he felt FIFA had lost control of the World Cup after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the U.S., and some members of the Iranian national team had their visa applications rejected, he responded that efforts are always made to find solutions.

“However, we must also respect that we are not the kings of the world who can override governments and police. We are a sports organization,” Infantino said.

The World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will begin on Thursday with the match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City at 2 a.m. Central European Time. The tournament will conclude on July 19.

Photo Instagram/gianni_infantino