EDM: Discrimination and exclusion in football

Discrimination and exclusion in football

Tabled by Brian Leishman (Labour) 19 signatures

The motion

That this House condemns the exclusion of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup; notes reports that Iran's allocation of supporter tickets was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, denying many Iranian fans the opportunity to support their national team despite having already made travel arrangements; further notes that these incidents form part of a wider pattern of visa, entry and accreditation difficulties affecting officials, journalists, support staff and fans from a number of participating nations; regrets FIFA's failure to defend the interests of those affected despite previous assurances that accredited participants would be able to access host countries; further regrets FIFA's willingness to pander to the discriminatory policies of President Trump and his administration rather than stand up for the values it claims to champion; expresses concern that FIFA's growing corporate and commercial focus has taken precedence over the rights and fair treatment of supporters, officials and participants; also notes concern regarding the close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Trump and the perception that this has contributed to FIFA's unwillingness to challenge exclusionary policies; and calls on FIFA to uphold its stated commitment to equality and inclusion and to ensure that no participant, official, journalist or supporter is unfairly excluded from future international competitions.

Signatories (19)