MOGADISHU, Somalia – FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday described the reported denial of entry to the United States for Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as “unfortunate,” while making clear that football’s world governing body has no power to override decisions made by governments or security agencies. At a press conference, Infantino said FIFA was handling the matter through dialogue and diplomatic channels after reports surfaced that the internationally recognised Somali referee had been blocked from entering…

With less than six months to go before the next World Cup, it is not the draw or tactical intrigue that is dominating football’s conversation but FIFA’s so‑called “Peace Prize.” The episode — more symbolic than sporting — has pushed governance, messaging and power to the fore, putting FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his political approach under the spotlight just as the game should be preparing for its showpiece. The discomfort is not simply about optics. As discussed on RTÉ’s Behind the Story with the Independent’s…