Mexico City [Mexico], June 11: FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged people to "chill" and put their faith in his organization, saying it was doing its best to tackle visa issues impacting the World Cup.
Referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States earlier this week, with FIFA later confirming he would play no part in the tournament.
On the eve of the opening game in Mexico City, Infantino, who also gave a strident defence of ticket prices, said: "It was unfortunate what happened with the referee from Somalia."
"Again, we don't control everything. We tried to discuss, we speak. Sometimes it's good as well just to chill, relax."
"We try to solve everything, [but] screaming and shouting, that's the opposite of finding a solution." "We try always to find solutions [but] we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments, police forces. We are an organization with the means we have to make as much as possible."
The BBC pushed him on his comment about "chilling," with Infantino adding: "In 2035 I think the Women's World Cup will be in [the] UK."
"Would you find it normal that FIFA would dictate to the British government who to let in the country and who not to let in the country? I don't know, maybe you find it normal."
"Our world is a very aggressive world and security goes above everything. You need to respect the decisions."
"When is say 'chill,' I don't mean 'chill and do nothing,' I mean to trust us."
"We always try to make the situation as positive as possible and find solutions. Sometimes we manage, sometimes we do not."
Source: Qatar Tribune
