Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on World Cup host nations to throw open their doors to all accredited participants, insisting that football’s worldwide spirit must never be dimmed by immigration barriers.
Posting on X, the 89-year-old underscored that nations hosting FIFA’s premier tournament carry vital responsibilities that must be honored from kickoff to final whistle.
“A FIFA World Cup host nation must guarantee two fundamental principles: the security of the country and unrestricted entry for all qualified teams, officials, and referees,” Blatter wrote.
“The case involving Somali referee Omar Artan goes against one of these responsibilities. FIFA must never compromise the universality of football.”
Blatter was referring to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comments have sparked fresh debate about how host nations should balance their duty to welcome World Cup personnel with the demands of their own immigration and security rules.
Blatter’s words arrive just as Ghana pushes to overturn Canada’s refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Partey entry for the Black Stars’ opening Group L clash with Panama in Toronto.
The Ghanaian government has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Canadian authorities following its formal protest and request for a review. Officials have also indicated that Ghana is prepared to explore diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenues if necessary.
Canadian authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the visa refusal. However, Ghanaian officials believe the decision is linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. The midfielder has denied all allegations through his legal representatives, and the matter remains before the courts.
FIFA has consistently maintained that immigration and visa matters fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of host governments and are outside the authority of world football’s governing body.
While Blatter did not mention Partey by name, his plea for open access for all qualified teams, officials, and referees is likely to echo as Ghana fights to ensure their midfielder can take the field.
