‘World Cup of chaos’ – Wright frowns at US entry ban of Somalia referee
Former England striker Ian Wright has criticised the handling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa and travel documents.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals, was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials after being refused entry at Miami International Airport.
The referee said he underwent an 11-hour immigration interview before being detained and later placed on a flight back to Istanbul, Turkey.
Artan speaks on ordeal
Expressing his disappointment, Artan insisted he had complied with all travel requirements.
“I am very, very disappointed,” he told the New York Times.
“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream – the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”
Artan added: “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.”
The Somali official said he believes the decision may have been linked to his nationality, noting that Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
No official reason has been provided by US immigration authorities for the denial of entry.
FIFA later confirmed that Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament.
“Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the governing body said.
Wright criticises tournament organisation
Artan’s case prompted a strong reaction from Ian Wright, who described the tournament as a “World Cup of chaos”.
In a video posted on Instagram, the former Arsenal forward questioned a series of controversies surrounding the competition.
“Every few hours, it’s another story about fans denied, player denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs,” Wright said.
“I’m laughing but it’s not funny. It’s actually not funny and something has to be said.”
Wright also criticised rising costs associated with the tournament.
“The most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof.”
He added: “I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this – how embarrassing for them this must be.
“This is a World Cup of chaos.”
The controversy comes just two days before the tournament begins, with FIFA and organisers facing growing scrutiny over access and travel issues involving participants and supporters.