New york: Former English footballer Ian Wright has condemned the decision by United States authorities to deny visas to football officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He expressed frustration over the host nation's immigration policies, which he believes are preventing officials from participating in the tournament.
According to Ghana Web, Wright criticized the denial of visas to football officials and referees, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the competition. He highlighted the issue by pointing out the case of a Somalian referee who was denied entry to the US. Wright noted that fans, players, and officials are also being denied entry, which he finds problematic.
In a video shared on social media, the former Arsenal striker questioned the high costs associated with attending the World Cup, such as expensive tickets and transportation, and how these factors are affecting the tournament's integrity. He compared the situation to the criticism Qatar faced during the 2022 World Cup, suggesting that the US is performing worse in terms of organization and accessibility.
Wright labeled the upcoming tournament as the 'World Cup of Chaos' and expressed sympathy for American football fans who are eager for the event but might feel embarrassed by the current situation. He emphasized the need for better management and consideration of the fans' and officials' experiences ahead of the global event.