FIFA Faces Sharp Criticism from Old Guard Ahead of World Cup: 'It's Unbelievable and Absurd'

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on the world football governing body, just a day before the World Cup kicks off. The 90-year-old Swiss made his remarks after news broke on Monday that Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States.

Artan, who was named African Referee of the Year last year by the Confederation of African Football, was stopped at Miami Airport due to alleged "ties to suspected members of terrorist organizations," it emerged on Wednesday. "It's unbelievable and absurd," Blatter stated to the French sports newspaper L'Équipe. "If a country denies a referee entry, that's a serious problem, and the World Cup should not be held in such a country."

According to Blatter, current FIFA boss Gianni Infantino must assert himself against US President Donald Trump. "The president must prove he is stronger than his good friend in the White House," Blatter said about his successor. "It's bad when you let politics guide you. Other football associations should also protest."

Artan has since returned to his homeland and received a grand welcome in the capital, Mogadishu. The referee, who told AFP that he possessed all the correct documentation, is determined to officiate at the next global tournament. "I will be at the next World Cup and continue to make Somalia proud. Despite what happened to me, I am not discouraged."