Visa row rocks World Cup

from SAAD MUSE in Mogadishu & AMADOU NDIAYE in Dakar
MOGADISHU – CONCERNS are mounting among football stakeholders and supporters worldwide over what critics describe as the increasing politicisation of the sport by the vindictive United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the Canada, Mexico and the chief culprit US.

The debate intensified after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Africa’s leading match official, was barred from entering the United States despite being expected to participate in World Cup football assignments.

The circumstances surrounding the development have sparked widespread reaction among football supporters, administrators, coaches, players, commentators and public figures, many of whom argue that football should remain a unifying global force rather than become entangled in political disputes.

Football has long been celebrated as the world’s most popular sport, bringing together players, coaches, officials, supporters and nations from diverse cultural, political and religious backgrounds.

Critics contend that any restrictions affecting referees, players, coaches, journalists or supporters undermine the spirit of inclusivity and unity that the FIFA World Cup is intended to embody.

Among those expressing concern is New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who sharply criticised the United States policies that could affect participation in the tournament.

“The World Cup is supposed to be a celebration of the world as a whole… this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about,” Mamdani said.

Luis Gonzalez echoed similar sentiments.

“Sports shouldn’t be stages for this kind of restriction or punishment; athletes compete for their record, not for their leaders—they’re not to blame. In this case, FIFA’s best move would have been to anticipate and move their matches out of the US,” Gonzalez said.

Several commentators argued that football’s governing bodies must ensure all qualified participants are treated equally regardless of nationality.

“This World Cup will go down as the worst ever due to the USA’s treatment of other teams. FIFA should have disqualified the USA from hosting,” said commentator Mafrigos Mafrigos.

Diego Pietruszka stated: “If a country doesn’t accept all participants to a competition, they shouldn’t let it be the host.”

José Fco. Padilla Machorro questioned whether hosting obligations were being fully met.

“FIFA should have cancelled the United States as host for that reason and for many other things it doesn’t fulfil as a host,” he said.

Mahdi Toure also expressed frustration.

“The Americans’ control over our players (Senegal) is way over the top, and it’s straight-up disrespectful to me,” Toure remarked.

Calls for stronger action were also voiced by Francois Juhen, who said: “We should simply boycott this World Cup in the United States.”

Fatoobabel stated: “I don’t know why we agreed to let the USA host the World Cup.”

Some commentators argued that the treatment of African football stakeholders was particularly concerning and racist.

“African federations should simply recall their teams or refuse to play on American soil,” said Maxi.

Andre Auguste suggested supporters could use their economic influence.

“Stop watching the World Cup in the United States, and you’ll see that the Yanks will quickly calm down. No viewers, no advertising revenue,” he said.

Mal OE described the reported treatment of Artan as inconsistent with football’s values.

“Turning back Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was Africa’s best referee in 2025 and the first Somali selected for the men’s World Cup despite a diplomatic passport, is extremely shameful. This act negates the tournament’s unity and diversity ideals,” Mal OE said.

Sebuti Matsome added: “Sports should bring people together.”

Brave Man Kadima argued that FIFA had erred in awarding hosting rights to the United States.

“FIFA made a big mistake by giving the United States the World Cup,” he said.

Archiduc de Boulogne called for a review of the hosting arrangements.

“We need to cancel this World Cup and hold it in Europe, in Africa, or elsewhere. It’s a disgrace,” he said.

Punisher Airiaimka questioned the suitability of the host nation.

“What an idea to organise a football World Cup in the USA. Visa refusals for certain countries are a disgrace,” Airiaimka said.

Lézard Théiste criticised FIFA’s approach, while Solani Thom Tanjo urged football authorities to be more selective when awarding hosting rights.

“FIFA should avoid awarding World Cup hosting rights to nations at war or likely to initiate wars,” Tanjo said.

As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue, growing numbers of football stakeholders are calling on FIFA and host authorities to ensure that the tournament remains true to its founding principles of inclusion, equality and global unity.

For many supporters, referees, players, coaches and administrators, the World Cup is more than a sporting event.

It is a celebration of humanity’s shared passion for football and a reminder that the game has the power to unite people across borders, cultures and political differences.

– CAJ News