FIFA President Infantino to address media amid World Cup controversies
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to hold a press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the World Cup, where he is expected to face questions regarding high ticket prices and US immigration policies. The 2026 men’s World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A notable incident involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the US, preventing him from officiating at the tournament. Artan, named the 2025 men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, stated he had the necessary documentation, an assertion confirmed by a Somali government advisor. A US State Department official, however, alleged Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations." Artan expressed deep disappointment but vowed to participate in the 2030 tournament. Meanwhile, concerns have arisen about potential social unrest disrupting the opening match in Mexico City, with protesters blocking an avenue near the Estadio Azteca. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has guaranteed the opening match will proceed. On the field, Lionel Messi scored in Argentina's final warm-up game against Iceland, helping the reigning champions secure a 3-0 victory after recovering from a hamstring injury. Argentina is set to begin its title defense on June 16 against Algeria.
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The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has bolstered border security through the deployment of advanced technology and increased surveillance to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling. Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, stated that the NIS has achieved significant success in detecting and preventing illegal movement across land borders, attributing this to sustained border patrol operations and surveillance mechanisms. Border officers have intercepted irregular migrants, often reuniting them with their families, and these efforts have reduced the number of people using land routes for irregular migration. The NIS's Border Surveillance Architecture monitors difficult and remote terrains, identifying frequently used routes for irregular migration and strategically deploying assets. Inbound irregular migrants are often returned to their countries of origin. Akinlabi noted that irregular migration is a complex societal issue requiring collective action. He highlighted that a major obstacle is the lack of public awareness regarding the risks of irregular migration. Under the leadership of Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, the service is investing in public enlightenment campaigns and stakeholder engagements to discourage such journeys. Technology is a key component of the NIS's long-term strategy, enabling monitoring of inaccessible areas. The NIS, with the Ministry of Interior's support, has completed the first phase of its e-Border Solution projec
Franklin-Kennedy Ibeh, the youth leader of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, has condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting foreigners of African descent. In a statement from Owerri, Ibeh accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress of not adequately addressing the attacks. He suggested that former South African leaders like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Winnie Mandela, and Mvumbi Luthuli would be displeased by the current situation. Ibeh, who is also the president of Duruiheoma Group, stated that the ongoing attacks are a result of leadership failure, with South African citizens misdirecting their anger towards innocent non-South Africans engaged in legitimate businesses. He called for an immediate end to the violence and urged Africans to promote peace, economic cooperation, political tolerance, and security across the continent. South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence, with foreign nationals frequently targeted during times of social and economic strain, leading to widespread condemnation from African leaders and organizations.
China has warned the European Union against sanctioning its companies, following Brussels' proposal for new measures targeting firms allegedly supporting Russia's military in Ukraine. The EU's latest sanctions aim to complicate commercial activities by companies in third countries. The 27-member bloc has previously sanctioned Chinese firms for alleged support to Russia's military industrial complex. These new sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. Officials indicated that the measures include adding 14 companies from mainland China and Hong Kong to a list of firms banned from purchasing EU goods. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that Beijing "has always firmly opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law" and has urged the EU to correct its practices. Lin warned that China would "closely follow" developments and "take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." China maintains it is a neutral party in the Ukraine war and does not provide lethal assistance to either side. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted on social media that the latest package represents the "largest set of listings in over two years," focusing on the financial sector, energy, and drone production.