Omar Artan, the World Cup referee barred from entering the US, was given a hero's welcome upon his return to Somalia. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, who has been accused of cowardice for failing to stand up to the Trump administration.
Infantino's Legacy of Cowardice
Jonathan Liew argues that Infantino has prostrated FIFA before Donald Trump, losing control of his own tournament. Unlike past hosts, the US under Trump is indifferent to international opinion, actively showcasing its harsh immigration policies.
Contrast with Historical Hosts
Even Nazi Germany softened its anti-Semitic policies before the 1936 Olympics. In contrast, the US has turned away referees and detained players, with 11 of 48 participating countries facing travel restrictions.
FIFA's Double Standards
FIFA previously forced Russia to allow visa-free entry and intervened for press freedom. Now, it remains silent as the US denies entry to officials and fans. The power balance has shifted: the US needs FIFA less than FIFA needs US revenue.
Commercial Imperatives Over Principles
The expanded 48-team World Cup limits potential hosts. FIFA's dependence on the US market has led it to accept indignities, setting a dangerous precedent for future events like Saudi Arabia 2034.
Infantino's mantra "football unites the world" rings hollow as the World Cup becomes a tool of autocratic power. The only solution—a smaller, more accountable tournament—is unlikely. Instead, the US has seized control, turning the event into a spectacle of performative cruelty.
