"Just Chill & Relax": FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino On World Cup Visa Row

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked debate after telling critics to "just chill and relax" when questioned about the denial of a US visa to Somali referee Omar Artan ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup but was reportedly denied entry to the United States despite believing he held a valid visa. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns over travel restrictions affecting tournament officials. Responding to questions at a pre-tournament press conference, Infantino said FIFA does not control government visa decisions and urged people to trust that efforts are being made to resolve such issues. He also defended FIFA amid criticism over high ticket prices and the tournament's dynamic pricing model, arguing that similar practices are common across North America.