Infantino tells people to 'chill and relax' after Somali referee denied US entry

World Cup 2026: FIFA president Gianni Infantino says 'chill and relax' after Somali referee denied US visa FIFA president Gianni Infantino held a 66-minute press conference on the eve of the World Cup, where he addressed Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the US, and Iran participating in the tournament; Infantino told people to 'chill and relax' regarding issues Wednesday 10 June 2026 21:31, UK FIFA president Gianni Infantino called for people to "chill and relax" over Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup. The comment came during a 66-minute press conference on the eve of the tournament, where Infantino defended FIFA over several controversies that have overshadowed the build-up to the World Cup. Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup but was refused entry to the United States. Somalia are one of the countries on the US travel ban but Artan believed he had a valid visa to enter the country. - World Cup day-by-day fixture list - Download the Sky Sports app - World Cup key info - format, venues, prize money - World Cup news - live updates The decision to ban Artan from the USA has been met with widespread criticism. "It is unfortunate what happened to Omar. But we don't control everything. We try, we discuss and we will speak", Infantino said. "Maybe sometimes it is good as well to just chill and relax. We work on everything and try to solve everything. Sometimes, to start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution. "Believe me when I tell you, don't believe me if you want, we always try to find solutions. We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces; we are a sports organisation". When pushed for an answer on his comments by reporters on what he meant by "chill", Infantino added: "In 2035, I think the Women's World Cup will be in (the) UK. "Would you find it normal that FIFA would dictate to the British Government who to let in the country and who not to let in the country? I don't know, maybe you find it normal. "Our world is a very aggressive world and security goes above everything. You need to respect the decisions. "When is say 'chill', I don't mean 'chill and do nothing', I mean to trust us. "We always try to make the situation as positive as possible and find solutions. Sometimes we manage, sometimes we do not." Infantino 'happy' Iran can play and hopes for a good atmosphere Infantino addressed two other issues in the first part of his lengthy press conference, as he also spoke about Iran playing at the World Cup and ticket prices for games. Iran's participation in the tournament had previously been the subject of uncertainty since the US and Israel launched air strikes on the country on February 28. Infantino has repeatedly insisted Iran would play as scheduled, with all three of their group games taking place in the US, with President Donald Trump also saying "let them play" back in March, despite the conflict. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said in May that his country will participate in the World Cup but called on the US to provide "necessary facilities without political considerations or motives." On Tuesday, Iran's football federation (FFIRI) said that its ticket allocation for the tournament had been pulled, just days before they face New Zealand in their first group game on June 16. On Iran, Infantino added: "You cannot organise an event on such a magnitude in a perfect way. It is true that we are confronted with challenges we would rather not be confronted with. Sometimes we can solve them and others we cannot solve them. "On Iran, I am very happy, because I went to see the Iranian team myself, and when people say it would be impossible for them to come, I promised them that they would come. "There are challenges, and of course, it is not easy. When Iran plays, the stadium will be full and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere. Because this is football. I am very happy that we managed to get Iran to come and play in this World Cup. "There are some issues we are still dealing with, of course."