Former England striker, Ian Wright, has slammed the organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, branding the tournament a “World Cup of chaos” after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States.
Wright reacted after reports emerged that Artan, who had been selected among the officials for the World Cup, was turned back despite allegedly travelling with valid documents.
The Somali official was poised to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup after being included among the 52 match officials chosen for the tournament.
FIFA, however, later confirmed that Artan would no longer participate after he was denied entry into the United States.
Speaking in a video shared on his official social media platforms, Wright said the incident reflected a growing list of controversies surrounding the competition.
“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,” Wright said.
“You know something I’m laughing but it’s not funny, it’s actually not funny and something has to be said.”
The former Arsenal F.C. forward also criticised the financial burden placed on supporters attending the tournament, citing soaring ticket prices and travel expenses.
“The expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said,” he stated.
“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?”
Wright added that he felt sympathy for football supporters in the United States who had looked forward to hosting the tournament.
“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.”
Describing the build-up to the tournament as deeply troubled, Wright said, “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.”
In an official statement, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer officiate at the competition.
“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,” the organisation said.
FIFA also stressed that visa and immigration matters remain under the authority of host nations.
“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.”
According to reports, Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport last weekend. Somalia is among the countries affected by a United States travel restriction introduced last year.
