🚨EXCLUSIVE: Thierry Henry says the world cup in the USA is looking like a mess, Iran says FIFA has withdrawn its World Cup ticket allocation, Somali referee Omar Artan was who was appointed by FIFA to ref in the 2026 World Cup denied entry, expensive ticket and says politcs had no business in football
"The more I look at this World Cup, the more it feels like football is fighting battles that have nothing to do with football. That's what worries me."
"We're talking about the biggest sporting event on the planet, yet the conversation isn't only about players, tactics, or the countries that qualified. It's about travel issues, ticket disputes, and politics."
"Look at the situation involving Iran. Reports say the country's ticket allocation for supporters was withdrawn just days before the tournament. Whether you're Iranian or not, fans should be part of the World Cup experience."
"Then you have the Omar Artan story. FIFA selected him because they believed he was one of the best referees in the world. He earned that opportunity on merit."
"Yet he was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa. Suddenly the story stopped being about football and became about something else entirely."
"I feel for him because becoming the first Somali referee at a World Cup should have been a celebration for African football, not a controversy."
"Then there are the supporters. Many people have complained about the cost of attending matches, accommodation, and travel. The World Cup should be accessible to ordinary football fans, not only the wealthiest ones."
"Football has always been at its best when it unites people from different cultures, religions, and political backgrounds. That's the beauty of the game."
"The danger is when political disputes begin influencing who can attend, who can officiate, and how supporters experience the tournament. That is a road football should avoid."
"I still believe the World Cup will produce incredible moments, but FIFA must make sure that football remains the main story. Politics has enough stages already; the football pitch shouldn't be one of them."
🚨 WORST @FIFAcom PRESIDENT OF ALL TIME: INFANTINO SILENT AS US HUMILIATES AFRICA
Gianni Infantino selected Omar Abdulkadir Artan — Africa's top referee and first Somali at a World Cup — then watched US authorities deny him entry at the border despite diplomatic passport and approved visa. Turned back like trash. No reason. No fight.
Where is your voice, Infantino?
You preach "global football" and "unity" while selling out African officials to US border politics. This isn't leadership — it's cowardice and betrayal of the game.
You are proving every day why you are the worst FIFA president in history. Africa will not forget this disgrace.
Stand up or step down.
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, has been denied entry to the United States.
@vandaaginside Hartman! Je zat meer op de bank dan je lief was en dat was omdat jij het niveau niet aankon! Ik denk niet dat er teams in de premier league op jou ah wachten zijn.
🚨 HUMILIATION AT THE WORLD CUP: SENEGAL STARS TREATED LIKE CRIMINALS BY US BORDER THUGS
Senegal 🇸🇳 national team arrives in the US for #WorldCup2026 — and what do they get?
US authorities pulling them off the plane for aggressive bag searches, invasive checks, and public degradation right on the tarmac. Top African football giants disrespected like suspects.
This is not "security." This is racist arrogance from the host nation that lectures the world on fairness while treating African players like second-class humans.
Same America blocking referees, humiliating teams, and showing its true face to the Global South.
Senegal, Africa is with you. CAF and FIFA — speak up or remain useless puppets.
The World Cup belongs to the world, not to US ego and discrimination.
Expose this disgrace. Share widely.
@ESPNnl Dick moet als laatste praten over ‘rare gang van zaken’ als je kijkt naar wat hij Rutten geflikt heeft haha! Bemoei je met Cura en niet met ons beleid Dick! Je krijgt het al lastig genoeg! Dit was gewoon de juiste beslissing van Persie ontslagen.
If 9 Jewish paramedics were killed ANYWHERE in the world it would be called terrorism.
And we’d never hear the end of it.
Israel slaughtered 9 paramedics in 72 hours, most of which we’ve seen on film, and we only hear their names on Twitter.
@TouchlineX Niemand ontkent Sterling z’n carrière of wat hij in Engeland heeft gedaan. Maar Feyenoord is topsport, geen museum waar je applaus krijgt voor prestaties uit het verleden. Hier telt wat je nu laat zien en dat was 0 goals, 1 assist en nauwelijks impact. Dan is kritiek terecht!