**FIFA President Addresses Visa Concerns Ahead of World Cup in Mexico City**
As the countdown to the World Cup in Mexico City begins, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is addressing concerns regarding potential visa issues for players and officials traveling to the United States. The tournament, which kicks off on Thursday, has raised questions about the entry of participants, particularly following the recent denial of entry for Somali referee Omar Artan.
Infantino emphasized that FIFA's role is primarily that of a sports organization, stating that it does not have the authority to intervene in U.S. immigration processes. “We try always to find solutions, always,” he remarked during a news conference in Mexico City. However, he acknowledged the limitations of FIFA's influence, saying, “We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces.”
The situation surrounding Artan's visa denial has drawn attention. A U.S. official indicated that Artan was not permitted entry upon arriving in Miami from Istanbul due to alleged connections with individuals associated with terrorist organizations. Infantino described this incident as “unfortunate” but reiterated that FIFA cannot dictate government actions regarding visa approvals.
In addressing the broader context of visa issues, Infantino noted that it is sometimes necessary to approach such matters with a level of calm, stating, “Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect in terms of finding a solution.” He expressed confidence in FIFA's ability to work behind the scenes to resolve issues, stating, “We always try to make things positive and find a solution.”
Infantino also responded to inquiries about the Iranian national team, which has relocated its training to Mexico while planning to travel to games in the U.S. He highlighted FIFA's efforts in facilitating the team's participation, asserting that bringing Iran to play in America was a significant achievement. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth and we try our best,” he stated.
In addition to visa concerns, Infantino addressed ongoing investigations by attorneys general in multiple states, including New Jersey, New York, California, and Texas. These investigations are focused on allegations regarding misleading ticket pricing for the tournament. Infantino revealed that FIFA had sold approximately 800,000 tickets for matches in San Francisco and Inglewood, California, with only a handful of complaints received. He expressed confidence in FIFA’s ticketing practices, stating, “We checked what we would do with the best lawyers or experts” before launching ticket sales.
Infantino conveyed a sense of calm regarding the ticketing uproar, explaining that FIFA welcomes the investigations and is prepared to present its case. “It’s most important that every dollar that we generate goes back into football,” he emphasized, reiterating FIFA's commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the World Cup approaches, Infantino remains focused on the event's success and the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders involved. He reassured fans and participants alike that FIFA is dedicated to resolving any issues that may arise, while also respecting the jurisdiction of host countries.
With the tournament set to begin, the world will be watching how FIFA navigates these challenges, particularly in relation to visa approvals and ticketing concerns, as it aims to deliver a successful World Cup experience.