Ian Wright rips into FIFA and brands tournament 'World Cup of chaos'

Ian Wright rips into FIFA and brands tournament 'World Cup of chaos' Former Arsenal and England forward Ian Wright has let rip at FIFA after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States to officiate at the World Cup Ian Wright has described this summer’s World Cup as 'chaos' after a Somali referee set to officiate was denied entry to the United States. Omar Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday despite possessing valid travel documents. Somalia is one of a number of countries whose citizens have been the subject of a complete ban on travel into the United States that was implemented in June last year. FIFA have confirmed that Artan, who was selected as one of 52 referees for the tournament, has been removed from its roster. And Wright took to Instagram to post a video in which he highlighted other incidents that have occurred in the build-up to this summer’s tournament that is taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico and described it as a 'World Cup of chaos'. The former England and Arsenal striker said: “I have just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. “Every few hours it's another story. Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied now refs? You know something? I'm laughing, but it's not funny. It's actually not funny, something has to be said. "Expensive tickets, most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game? The greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave? How are we not hearing more? JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page “Are we not seeing Qatar got dragged? 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. “American soccer fans who are desperate for this and how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them must this be. This is you know what this is, this is the World Cup of chaos. “Whoverver wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done. I hope we can do it. But something has to be said man. This is the World Cup.” On Artan, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed: “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. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.” This isn’t the first time Wright has fumed about this summer’s World Cup. Speaking at ITV’s launch event, the former Arsenal forward fumed about the 'scandalous' prices supporters are being charged for tickets and travel. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now! "It's massive, it's scandalous what's going on,” he said. “Yesterday I heard what else is going behind the (pay) wall, Europa League, Champions League... FA Cup has been behind the wall... this is where football is going. “The tickets. The travel, everything is extortionate, it's a rich man's game. It's scandalous. “If I was young Ian Wright - eight-year-old Ian Wright, 1970 World Cup, free-to-air, watched all the rounds - if I was young Ian Wright, I don't know where I'd get football from. “Look at the FA Cup the other day, it came and went like nothing, that is something that is behind a wall. There are countries behind a wall at the World Cup, that's wrong in itself, if we're going to start charging people. It's not even accessible to people in America, this is the World Cup!” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.