World Cup 2026: Ex-FIFA boss Sepp Blatter sends strong message over visa restrictions amid Thomas Partey controversy

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on World Cup host nations to guarantee unrestricted entry for all qualified participants, saying football's global nature must never be undermined by immigration barriers.

In a post on X, the 89-year-old said host countries have two fundamental responsibilities when staging FIFA's flagship tournament.

"A FIFA World Cup host country must guarantee two fundamental principles: the safety of the country, and the unrestricted entry of all qualified teams, officials and referees," Blatter wrote.

"The case of referee Omar Artan from Somalia is against one of these obligations. FIFA must never compromise the universality of football."

Blatter was referring to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States despite being appointed by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup.

His comments have added fresh momentum to the debate over the responsibilities of host nations to ensure accredited participants can take part in the tournament while balancing their domestic immigration policies.

The former FIFA chief's intervention also comes as Ghana continues efforts to overturn Canada's decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for the Black Stars' opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

The Ghanaian government has confirmed it is holding talks with Canadian authorities after lodging a formal diplomatic protest and requesting a review of the decision. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also indicated that Ghana is prepared to pursue diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies if necessary.

Canadian authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for refusing Partey's visa. However, Ghana says it understands the decision is linked to the midfielder's ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Partey has denied all the charges against him through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

FIFA has maintained that visa and immigration decisions fall under the authority of host governments rather than the governing body itself.

Although Blatter did not mention Partey directly, his call for unrestricted entry of all qualified teams, officials and referees is likely to resonate as Ghana seeks to have the midfielder cleared to participate in the World Cup.