Iran's fan ticket allocation was revoked, its training base moved from Arizona to Mexico City, and several backroom staff denied visas.
The International Sports Press Association condemned "the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues," noting countless cases affecting Iranian and African journalists.
A record 10 African countries are represented at this World Cup, a milestone for inclusion. FIFA has invested over $1.2 billion in African football since 2016.
Yet the expansion also secures political loyalty from Africa's 54 voting nations, who represent 25% of FIFA's membership.
Somali officials said barring Artan "undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play."
>>> FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Matches in First Four Days Revealed
FIFA's leadership, under Gianni Infantino, has remained silent, prioritizing commercial gains over the values of the global game.
