ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright paused their usual football chat to touch on the controversies facing both FIFA and the US regarding the country’s strict immigration policy
Football legends-turned-ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright put football to one side during ITV’s coverage to criticise FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the governing body, accusing them of having “no idea” and “no clue” amid a growing list of controversies surrounding the Club World Cup and wider tournament organisation.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal stars were reacting to a series of issues involving the United States, including Somali referee Omar Artan’s failure to secure a visa to officiate at the tournament. FIFA has also faced criticism over the treatment of Iran’s national team, as well as concerns about travelling supporters encountering difficulties entering the country because of immigration restrictions and foreign policy measures.
Ian Wright, who has long been outspoken on issues of social justice in sport, slammed the situation as “the worst it has been”.
The ex-England forward said: “I’ve spoken about the spirit of football and all the things that come with the spirit of the game.
“I think that here they have no idea or clue of the spirit of the game, what is happening and what has happened up to this point.
“You look also at people saying things like ‘keep politics out of sport’. What are they saying now? This is the worst it’s been.
“We’re actually hoping and praying that the football does supersede it all. That’s what we need.”
Former midfield hardman and Wright’s fellow pundit agreed, saying that although he was there to “watch the football” he was keen not to “shy away” from more contentious, political issues.
The ex-Ireland international said: “Obviously we’re ex-players and now we’re pundits and that’s why we’re here, to watch the football.
“It’s been mentioned, we shouldn’t shy away from the problems that are facing officials, supporters, and teams.
“Once the tournament starts and the opening ceremony gets underway, hopefully it will all be positive from here onwards.
“But we shouldn’t shy away from the issues going on in the background.”
The harsh words come after Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, was denied the entry to the US.
Artan was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport, with a Trump administration source later claiming the , the 2025 African referee of the year had an “association with suspected members of terror organisations”.
Iran’s participation at this World Cup has too been overshadowed by logistical and political challenges stemming from tensions between their country and the US.
Last month, the team relocated its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico, claiming that US authorities were unwilling to accommodate their preparations. Under the terms of their travel arrangements, Iran’s squad is also expected to enter and leave the United States on matchdays for each of its three group-stage fixtures.
The situation then appeared to escalate even further last week when Iranian officials claimed the US had refused visas for 15 members of the national team’s support staff, describing those affected as “key” members of their off the pitch unit.
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