FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan for the first time, describing the situation as unfortunate while insisting that football’s governing body has no authority over a country’s immigration decisions.

Speaking during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 opening press conference at Mexico City Stadium, just hours before the tournament’s opening match, Infantino faced questions over Artan’s exclusion from the competition after United States authorities declined to grant him entry.

Artan, one of Africa’s most highly-rated match officials, had been on course to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. However, his hopes were dashed after immigration authorities prevented him from taking part in the tournament.

Addressing the matter, Infantino acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the case but urged observers to remain calm.

“It’s unfortunate what happened to Omar. But again, we don’t control everything. We try, we discuss, we see. Maybe it’s good to just chill, relax.”

The FIFA president stressed that the organization had explored possible solutions but could not override decisions made by sovereign governments.

“We try to solve everything. Sometimes screaming and shouting has the opposite effect. We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization and we try to do our best.”

The issue generated one of the most tense moments of the press conference when a BBC journalist challenged FIFA’s stance, questioning how Africa’s top-ranked referee could be denied entry while FIFA continues to champion inclusivity and global unity.

The journalist asked whether FIFA had effectively lost control after Artan was allegedly treated as a security concern despite being selected to officiate at football’s biggest event.

Infantino responded by turning the question back to the journalist, noting that the United Kingdom will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035

He argued that just as nations would not welcome FIFA interference in determining who enters their borders, football’s governing body must also respect the authority of national governments on immigration and security matters.

The exchange highlighted the difficult balance between FIFA’s ambition of making football a global and inclusive sport and the reality that entry into host nations remains governed by domestic laws and regulations.

Artan’s absence remains one of the most talked-about stories ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament. The Somali official had earned widespread recognition across the continent and was viewed as a symbol of the country’s growing presence in international football.

While FIFA has expressed sympathy over the outcome, Infantino’s remarks made it clear that the organization considers the matter beyond its control, bringing an end to hopes that a late intervention could see Artan reinstated before the tournament gets underway.