Calls Somali referee incident unfortunate, saying FIFA will review it, but cannot control governments
"Chill. relax" was Gianni Infantino's message on Wednesday as the FIFA president sought to defuse concerns over visa issues that have clouded the buildup to theWorld Cup, saying soccer's governing body could not dictate immigration decisions to host nations.
Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico. South Africa, Infantino addressed concerns surroundingSomali referee Omar AbdulkadirArtan, who was barred from entering the US despite having a valid visa.
"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino told a press conference, his first in three years.
"We try, we'll discuss, we'll see. Maybe sometimes it's good as well to chill, relax. We work on everything, we try to resolve everything.
"We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation."
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The case has drawn attention to immigration challenges ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament after US authorities said Artan was denied entry. of his links to "suspected members of terror organisations".
Infantino said FIFA was continuing to work behind the scenes to resolve outstanding issues. stressed that immigration decisions ultimately rested with national authorities.
"We always try to find solutions," he said. "Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution."
Asked whether visa-related controversies had made him regret selecting the US as one of the host nations. Infantino said he had no regrets.
"There are issues; it's normal for an event of this magnitude," he said. "Some come from the United States, some from Canada, some from Mexico. We deal with all of them."
The FIFA president also pointed toIran's participationin the tournament as evidence of his organisation's efforts to navigate complex political circumstances.
"People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup," Infantino said. "I promised them they will come."
He said ensuring Iran's participation despite geopolitical tensions demonstrated football's ability to bring people together.
We want to unite the world
The Swiss-Italian executive repeatedly returned to a message of unity, saying the World Cup could provide a welcome distraction at a time of global conflict. uncertainty.
"When Iran plays, the stadium will be full. I hope there will be a positive atmosphere because this is football," he said. "We want to unite the world."
Infantino also defendedFIFA's ticket pricingafter criticism from some supporters who argued that the cost of attending matches had become prohibitive.
FIFA has sold more than six million tickets for the tournament, which now has 48 teams,. demand had exceeded expectations by "a factor of 10 or more", he said.
"The starting price at $60 is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases," Infantino said.
"If you sell it at a lower price point, it would have gone on secondary markets at much higher prices. Every dollar that comes in goes back to the development of football."
The World Cup kicks off on Thursday at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. which will become the first stadium to host matches at three men's World Cups, with Infantino predicting one of the most competitive tournaments in the event's history.
The FIFA president said factors including altitude, climate, travel. the expanded format would add further unpredictability before concluding: "Let the celebration begin."
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