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Ian Wright slams US over rising FIFA World Cup visa denials, after Somali referee Omar Artan is barred, requesting FIFA action.
Omar Artan puts his hand on Algeria’s forward #8 Youcef Belaili’s neck (Picture credit: AFP)
Former England footballer Ian Wright has pointed out that the number of stories about fans, players, officials and journalists being denied entry to the United States for the FIFA World Cup is increasing every hour, adding that the recent denial to a Somali referee is the peak and that such occurrences are not funny.
Speaking on his TikTok channel after the news emerged, Wright requested FIFA to intervene and take action, as officials were the latest group to be denied entry. Reports of players, fans and journalists being turned away at the United States border have already been circulated.
Wright wasn’t happy with the way the United States were going about things.
“Every few hours, it is another story. Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs? I am laughing, but it isn’t funny,” Wright said.
Big up, Uncle Ian Wright for speaking up, and he’s 100% correct.Look how Qatar got dragged when they were hosting the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/9yLFw2QsZX
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) June 9, 2026
“It isn’t funny; something has to be said. Expensive tickets, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, greatest tournament in the world?” Wright questioned.
“How are we not hearing more? Is this the spirit of football? Really? You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be,” Wright added.
Somali referee Omar Artan was poised to make history as the first official from his nation to take charge of a FIFA World Cup game. Regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees, he was also named the Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
FIFA released a statement after the news emerged, confirming that Artan wouldn’t be allowed entry into the United States. The governing body said that visa and immigration procedures were outside its control and that it must respect the authorities’ decision.
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