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Former Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright has criticized the situation surrounding the 2026 World Cup, saying the tournament has been thrown into chaos by a series of travel and US entry crises.
Wright said on his Instagram account. “I just read that Somali referee Omar Artan Banned from entering the United States, a new story emerges every few hours. Fans are banned from entering, players – officials, journalists, and now – referees.
He added: “It may sound funny and I laugh when I talk about it, but it’s not funny at all, what’s going on is unacceptable and someone needs to talk about it.”
He continued. “Ticket prices are the most expensive ever, accommodation is expensive and transport prices are insanely high. This should be clearly stated.”
He continued. “Is this how the host country of the world’s greatest tournament and greatest game behaves? This is really what we need to see from the host country.”
Wright expressed his surprise at the limited criticism compared to previous editions of the tournament, saying: “Are we not listening enough? Didn’t we see how Qatar came under heavy criticism in 2022? Why don’t we hear the voices now? This is really the spirit of football.”
He expressed his sympathy to the American fans, adding: “You know who I’m sad for, the American football fans who have been eagerly waiting for this tournament. How embarrassing that must be for them!’
Wright’s comments come after Somali referee Omar Artan was ruled out of the tournament after being banned from entering the United States in one of the most high-profile controversies surrounding the organization of the tournament.
