The build-up to the World Cup has been hit by another major travel controversy after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States.
Artan had been set to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup, but FIFA has now confirmed he will no longer be involved in the tournament. His case follows a string of border and visa issues involving fans, staff, officials and media.
For Ian Wright, the situation has gone beyond isolated problems. The Arsenal legend believes the chaos is now embarrassing for American soccer fans who had been waiting for this tournament to arrive.
Ian Wright feels sorry for US fans amid World Cup travel controversy
Artan’s removal from the tournament has become one of the clearest examples of how off-field politics are disrupting the competition. Why Omar Artan will miss World Cup is directly linked to decisions taken by the White House in recent months.
Wright took to social media to deliver a furious response, saying in a post on Instagram that the pattern around the tournament could no longer be ignored.
He said: “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.
“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’s statement after denial struck a calm tone despite the devastating setback, but the negative response to these incidents is becoming hard to ignore.
The political strain around this World Cup is now producing tension that feels even louder than Qatar and Russia at similar stages. With the clock winding down to the opening ceremony, time for the response Wright is calling for is running out.
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