11/06/2026
Joseph Blatter’s words highlight a simple but powerful truth about football: the referee is the highest symbol of official authority on the pitch. No match can be considered fair, organized, or legitimate without the presence and power of the referee. The referee is the person trusted to protect the rules, control the game, and make sure every team competes under the same conditions.
That is why blocking a referee from entering a country cannot be treated as an ordinary decision. It sends a message that the country is unwilling to fully respect the structure of football itself. If a nation refuses to accept the official who represents the rules of the game, then it creates a serious problem for FIFA and for world football.
The World Cup should only be hosted in a country that respects the complete system of the sport. Stadiums and money are not enough. Respect for referees, rules, and fairness must come first.
