Wright Slams 'Chaos' After US Denies Somali Referee World Cup Entry -

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has branded this summer’s World Cup “chaos and embarrassing” after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States.

Artan was set to make history as the first official from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup. FIFA had named him among 52 referees selected for the 2026 tournament. But after being blocked from entering the US, FIFA confirmed he will be removed from the roster.

Reacting in a video posted on social media, Wright said the situation had gone beyond frustrating.

“I have just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours, it’s another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs,” he said.

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“It’s not funny, and something has to be said. The tickets are the most expensive ever, accommodation is expensive, transport is through the roof.”

Wright said his sympathy lay with American fans who had been waiting years for the tournament.

“You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be. This is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get it done.”

FIFA has not yet named a replacement for Artan. The incident adds to a growing list of entry issues reported by fans, players, and media ahead of the tournament, which is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.