FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged critics to "chill and relax" following the refusal of Somali referee Omar Artan's entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup.
Speaking at a 66-minute press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, the eve of the tournament's opening match, Infantino labelled the incident "unfortunate" whilst maintaining that football's governing body has limited power over national authorities.
"We don't control everything," he stated. "Maybe sometimes it is good as well to just chill and relax."
The FIFA chief cautioned that "screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged critics to "chill and relax"
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Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday after arriving from Istanbul.
The US State Department provided justification for the decision, with an official stating that Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," rendering him ineligible for admission to the country.
Artan, who was voted Africa's leading men's referee last year, maintained he possessed the correct visa documentation for entry. He was subsequently placed on a return flight to Turkey.
The 2026 tournament would have marked a historic moment for Somali football, with Artan set to become the first match official from the East African nation to participate in a World Cup finals.
Omar Artan was denied entry into the US
| GETTYInfantino defended FIFA's position by drawing a comparison with future tournaments, noting that the 2035 Women's World Cup is expected to be held in the United Kingdom.
"Would you find it normal that FIFA would dictate to the British Government who to let in the country and who not to let in the country?" he asked reporters.
The Swiss administrator emphasised that global security concerns take precedence, stating: "Our world is a very aggressive world and security goes above everything."
He later clarified his earlier remarks, explaining: "When I say 'chill', I don't mean 'chill and do nothing', I mean to trust us."
Infantino insisted FIFA consistently works towards positive outcomes, acknowledging that success is not always achievable.
Gianni Infantino has insisted that this World Cup will be a huge success
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The FIFA president also addressed Iran's participation in the tournament, which has faced uncertainty following US and Israeli air strikes on the country in February.
"I am very happy, because I went to see the Iranian team myself, and when people say it would be impossible for them to come, I promised them that they would come," Infantino said.
Iran's football federation announced on Tuesday that its ticket allocation had been withdrawn, just days before their opening group match against New Zealand on 16 June.
The World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four | GETTY"There are challenges, and of course, it is not easy," Infantino acknowledged, whilst expressing hope for a positive atmosphere when Iran take to the pitch.