Gary Neville and Roy Keane have joined fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright in condemning the decision not to allow referee Omar Artan into the USA for the 2026 World Cup.
Artan, known as the 'best referee in Africa', was interrogated upon his arrival in the States before being turned away. The White House claimed they believed the official had ties to a terrorist group, which is why they didn't allow him to enter the country.
However, the US and FIFA have received strong backlash for the decision, including from Wright on social media. Football's governing body released a statement, confirming they would not get involved with the issue, and Artan would indeed be absent from the competition.
Gary Neville Slams 'Ridiculous' Visa Debacle
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Speaking on ITV's coverage of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, Neville was asked about the ongoing controversy that had preceded the tournament's kick-off. Not only with Artan, but also the situation involving Iran.
"We have seen it in Russia, we have seen it in Qatar and now we are seeing it in America, which has got the visa issues, obviously, for the referee," the retired England footballer said.
Neville then continued, saying that 'common sense has prevailed' regarding Iran being allowed to play their matches in the US, even if they must train in Mexico, but was baffled FIFA didn't insist on their referees all being allowed in the country. He ranted:
"Fans are obviously having issues getting into the country, the Iranian team it looks like common sense has mainly prevailed with them and they are now able to travel – even though they are not in this country but they are in Mexico.
"We have to get referees in that are obviously FIFA officials, I don't know why FIFA haven't been stronger on that issue."
"To me it is ridiculous the fact the referee is not able to come into this country. He is a FIFA referee, he is basically someone who has been lauded as being one of the very best."
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The ex-Manchester United defender believes the host nations should allow their countries to be 'given over' to visitors for the World Cup. He added:
"You have got that statue over your shoulder, the Statue of Liberty. I don't think he'll be feeling that right now. He is being celebrated like a hero in his own country and rightly so.
"When you host a World Cup, you are effectively giving over your land to the world of football for four to five to six weeks. We need tolerance and people who can accept that everybody comes from a different part of the world and that's not happened here."
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Roy Keane Agrees With Colleagues on World Cup Issues
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Following Neville's full comments on the issue, Wright once again reiterated that he's firmly against what has been happening off the pitch. Keane was the last one to give his view, but he agreed with his colleagues.
The Irishman said: "We shouldn't shy away from the problems that are facing officials, supporters and teams. Once the game gets underway today and the ceremony starts, hopefully it will all be positive from there onwards."
Keane is hoping for attention to now turn to matters on the pitch, just as many watching from home or the stands will be too.