Thierry Henry says the world cup in the USA is looking like a mess, Iran says FIFA has withdrawn its World Cup ticket allocation, Somali referee Omar Artan was who was appointed by FIFA to ref in the 2026 World Cup denied entry, expensive ticket and says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 Reports say the country's ticket allocation for supporters was withdrawn just days before the tournament.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."
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