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John Obi Mikel slammed the treatment extended to fans, officials and players, calling the decision to award the quadrennial to USA a controversial call made by the governing body.
FIFA World Cup 2026. (Credit: AFP)
The build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico has been mired in controversies, from exorbitant ticket prices to visa refusals. Allegations of racism have also surfaced, with several teams and players facing intense scrutiny upon arrival.
Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel slammed the treatment extended to fans, officials and players, calling the decision to award the quadrennial spectacle to USA arguably the most controversial call made by the governing body.
“I have to be honest, hosting the World Cup in the United States is starting to look like one of the most controversial decisions FIFA has ever made.”
“Football is supposed to bring people together, but we’re already seeing situations where people selected by FIFA are facing difficulties simply entering the host country,” Obi Mikel said.
“Look at what happened with Somali referee Omar Artan. FIFA selected him, FIFA trusted him, yet he was unable to take part after being denied entry despite being one of Africa’s most respected officials.”
“This was supposed to be a historic moment. He was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, and instead the story became about immigration and politics,” he continued.
“When football starts being affected by issues outside the game, FIFA has a responsibility to ask difficult questions.”
“The World Cup should be about the best players, the best coaches, and the best referees. It shouldn’t be about who can or cannot enter the host nation.”
“I feel for people from countries that face extra barriers because football should give everyone an equal opportunity to participate on the biggest stage,” he continued.
“FIFA wanted a tournament that united the world. Incidents like this risk sending the opposite message, and that’s something football’s governing bodies need to think about very carefully.”
Widespread outrage erupted online after footage showed members of the Senegal and Uzbekistan national teams being subjected to prolonged searches.
Further anger was sparked when Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side, led by the former Italian World Cup winner, was searched with the help of bomb-sniffing dogs.
This is not the first time preparations for the FIFA showpiece have gone off track. Switzerland raised concerns about vipers being found close to their camp, while an incident of gunfire was reported near the England camp. Japan, meanwhile, voiced worries about the conditions at their training base.
United States of America (USA)
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