Frustrated Ian Wright criticises ‘World Cup of chaos’ after African referee denied entry | OneFootball

Ian Wright has lambasted the “World Cup of chaos” after a Somali referee was denied entry to the United States in the last few days.

African official Omar Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to “vetting concerns.”

It is the latest saga in a build-up to a World Cup unlike any other. With three countries – Mexico and Canada are hosting alongside the US – and 48 teams, it is the biggest World Cup ever but also the most controversial, not least because for the first time, a competing nation in Iran is at war with a host, the United States.

Iran have also encountered visa issues, with several members of staff denied entry and the playing squad only given visas which allow them into the US on the day of their matches. Now, two days out from the tournament starting in Mexico City, ex-England star and pundit Wright has expressed his frustration on Instagram.

"I've 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," said Wright, who will be working on the World Cup for ITV this summer.

"You know something: I'm laughing but it's not funny, it's actually not funny and something has to be said.

"The expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said.

"Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave?

"Are we not hearing more? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged, 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, how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.

"This is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever 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 now. This is the World Cup."

Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States (AP)

Fifa confirmed Artan was not allowed into the United States in a statement on Monday. "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."

The World Cup starts on Thursday when Mexico face South Africa.