FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken publicly about the situation involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected for World Cup-related duties.

Infantino described the situation as unfortunate and disappointing. He explained that FIFA had attempted to address the issue but ultimately could not override the immigration and security decisions of the host country.

According to the FIFA president, the organization’s primary responsibility is football, while matters related to national security and border control remain under the authority of individual governments.

His comments highlight the limits of FIFA's influence when international sporting events intersect with national immigration policies. While FIFA organizes the tournament, it does not control the entry requirements imposed by host nations.

The case has generated significant debate among football fans, with some believing FIFA should have done more to defend one of its selected officials, while others argue that national authorities have the right to make security-related decisions.

For many supporters in Somalia and across Africa, Omar Artan's exclusion remains a major disappointment, as his participation would have represented an important achievement for Somali football on the world stage.

The controversy continues to attract attention as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, raising broader questions about the balance between international sport and national security policies.