FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to Iran's visa issues and the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan into the United States. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Infantino addressed several controversial topics ahead of the tournament's kick-off on Thursday.
Infantino's Promise to Iran
Infantino revealed that he would have gone to great lengths to ensure Iran's participation in the World Cup. He stated, 'I'm very happy because I went to see the Iranian team in Turkey in March, and people were saying it would be impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup. I promised them that they would come, and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran and drive them, I would do that.'
This statement comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Iran's struggles with visa approvals upon arriving in the United States. The Iranian football federation has released several statements regarding these issues.
Somali Referee Denied Entry
In contrast, Somali official Omar Artan will not be participating in the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States earlier this week. A White House representative claimed the denial was due to an 'association with suspected members of terror organizations.'
Infantino commented on the situation, saying, 'The third point about the visas, we have heard and read a lot. We have been able to organise with the American administration the FIFA pass system. A speedy process which I'm told is working, maybe not working always with everyone. We have obtained that the bonds and payments which have to be made to some countries in Africa have been waived for those who are coming. We obtained it for the fans.'
He added, 'Of course it is unfortunate what happened to Omar, the referee from Somalia, but again, we don't control everything. We try, we will discuss, we will see. Maybe sometimes it is good to chill, relax, we work on everything. We try to solve everything. To immediately shout is the opposite to finding a solution. Believe me or don't, we always try to find solutions but we have to respect we aren't kings of the world who can overrule administrations, the police. We are a sports organisation, we try to do our best, we do as much as possible.'
Call for Unity
Infantino concluded his address by urging the media to promote unity. 'We want to unite the world. If I can ask you one thing, if you want to criticise me, criticise me, that's fine. But promote the unity of the World Cup, feeling emotions of the World Cup when you were children, and I hope you will feel them because we want to unite the world.'
This was Infantino's first public address in three years, covering a range of controversial topics ahead of the tournament.
