Hillary Clinton joins criticism of USA over World Cup controversy
Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has joined the growing chorus of criticism aimed at the United States over its handling of entry restrictions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Her comments come amid mounting concerns after several fans, journalists, football officials and Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan were reportedly denied entry into the country ahead of the tournament.
Clinton believes a nation hosting the world's biggest sporting event should not be preventing accredited officials from entering the country to perform their duties.
"As a World Cup host, the U.S. shouldn't be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs," Clinton said.
The former presidential candidate described the situation as both regressive and damaging to the spirit of international sport.
"It's terribly backward. It's also counterproductive. Global sports competitions should improve international exchange and relations, not the reverse."
Her remarks add further pressure on World Cup organisers, who have already come under scrutiny over high ticket prices, expensive accommodation and travel costs associated with the tournament.
Clinton's comments follow those of former England star Ian Wright, who recently branded the tournament a "World Cup of chaos" after a series of reports involving denied entries for supporters, media personnel and match officials.
The controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly travelling with valid documents.
With the tournament now on the doorstep, concerns continue to grow that off-field issues could overshadow what should be football's biggest celebration.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, questions remain over whether the United States is living up to the responsibilities that come with hosting the world's most prestigious sporting event.
On 2 June 2021, authorities intercepted 805kg of pure cocaine worth an estimated R400 million hidden inside the hull of a ski boat being towed on the N1 near Pretoria.
The drugs were found in the boat’s hull and were being transported on a trailer pulled by a Ford Ranger.
Arrests were made at the time, yet the matter was removed from the court roll.
Serious questions remain:
What happened to the case?
Who were the syndicates behind the shipment?
Were there failures in the investigation or prosecution process?
@SAPoliceService and the @NPA_Prosecutes need to revisit this matter.
South Africa cannot allow major organised crime cases involving hundreds of millions of rands worth of cocaine to simply disappear without accountability.
@pule_jones
Former England star Ian Wright fumes: "This is a World Cup of chaos!"
Former England star Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on the organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament is being overshadowed by controversy before a ball has even been kicked.
Wright's frustration comes after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States, becoming the latest figure linked to the tournament to face travel problems.
The Arsenal legend says the growing list of issues, including fans, journalists, players and now match officials being denied entry is turning football's biggest event into a nightmare.
"Every few hours it's another story. Fans denied entry, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied. Now referees?" Wright said.
While laughing in disbelief, Wright admitted the situation was no joke.
"It's actually not funny. Something has to be said."
The former striker also slammed the soaring costs surrounding the tournament, pointing to record-high ticket prices, expensive accommodation and costly transport.
"For the greatest tournament in the world, is this how hosts behave?" he asked.
Wright questioned why the criticism being directed at the United States appears far less intense than the scrutiny faced by previous hosts such as Qatar.
"Are we hearing enough? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged? Why isn't there more being said now?"
He reserved special sympathy for American football fans, whom he believes are being let down despite eagerly waiting for the World Cup to arrive on their doorstep.
"I feel for the Americans who are desperate for this tournament. I wonder how embarrassed they must be."
With controversy continuing to dominate headlines, Wright delivered a damning verdict on the showpiece event.
"This is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins it will have gone through serious chaos to get it done."
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Wright's explosive comments are likely to add further pressure on organisers already battling growing concerns over travel restrictions, costs and the overall fan experience.
Bafana Bafana opening the FIFA World Cup is massive. Billions watching and South Africa right at the centre of it all. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.
Happy for the boys 💚🇿🇦
I can confirm that I have received the documents containing detailed information on foreign nationals employed at South Africa's public universities.
According to the records, by 2025 there were more than 7,000 foreign academics employed across public universities, with Zimbabwean nationals accounting for 27% and Nigerians 14% of the total. The University of Johannesburg employed the highest number, with more than 1,400 foreign academics.
I am currently reviewing the extensive documentation and will publish a detailed article with a full breakdown soon.
Special thanks to Chairperson Hon. Letsie, MP, for authorizing the Secretary of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to share the documents, making this important information accessible for public scrutiny and reporting.
Four undocumented foreign nationals were arrested by the EMPD Northern Region Task Team in Primrose, Germiston, after being caught allegedly stripping stolen Telkom copper cables at a suspected hijacked property on Doris Street. The suspects were detained at Primrose SAPS as investigations into cable theft and infrastructure vandalism continue.
SAPS Takes Action Against Officer Accused of Accepting R2,000 Bribe
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has launched disciplinary proceedings against a police officer accused of accepting a R2,000 bribe from a member of the public.
The action follows the circulation of a viral social media video allegedly showing the officer, dressed in full SAPS uniform, returning the money after the alleged bribery incident came to light. SAPS confirmed that the officer has been identified and that a departmental investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the matter.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the alleged conduct, reiterating SAPS' zero-tolerance approach to corruption. He said members who abuse their authority, compromise their integrity, or betray the public's trust will face decisive disciplinary and possible criminal action.
SAPS stressed that the acceptance, solicitation or facilitation of a bribe is a criminal offence and a serious violation of the SAPS Code of Conduct. The police service has urged members of the public not to offer bribes and to report any incidents of corruption or extortion involving police officials through the appropriate reporting channels.
The investigation remains ongoing as SAPS seeks to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
[COMMENT]
The disturbing evidence emerging at the Madlanga Commission about missing drugs this week cannot be treated as just another scandal. It demands urgent and decisive action.
South Africans deserve a law enforcement system that is accountable, transparent, and free from corruption.
There must now be immediate independent audits of all SAPS drug storage facilities and evidence rooms across the country.
Every kilogram of confiscated narcotics must be properly traced, accounted for, and verified.
Where discrepancies exist, criminal investigations must follow without fear or favour.
Government, police leadership, oversight bodies, and the NPA must act swiftly to strengthen chain-of-custody systems, improve monitoring processes, and ensure that seized drugs are destroyed under strict supervision.
Officials found to be involved in theft, tampering, or collusion with criminal syndicates must face the full might of the law.
Communities across South Africa are already suffering the devastating effects of drugs, addiction, gang violence, and organised crime.
The public cannot accept a situation where substances seized by police potentially end up back on the streets.
The Madlanga Commission must not only expose wrongdoing -it must become a turning point for real reform, accountability, and restoring public trust in the criminal justice system.
@pule_jones@HeidiGiokos@DasenThathiah@SAPoliceService@RSA_IPID@IanCameron23@NPA_Prosecutes
RE BATLISENG NGWANA🚨
Re kopa go batlisisiwa ngwana wa Mosimane wa dingwaga dile lesome le bone(14yrs) ebong Reatlegile Masilo wa ka kwa Macharora gaufi le Rustenburg.
Go begwa fa a bonwe labofelo maobane fa atswa sekolong a tshameka le ditsala.
Morago ga gore ba kgaogane le