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

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:

“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.”

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.”

Roy Keane Agrees With Colleagues on World Cup Issues

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.

Liverpool are set to battle it out with their rivals Manchester United for the signature of an impressive midfielder this summer, according to reports from TuttoJuve.

The Reds could be set for some changes in the middle of the park, with Curtis Jones expected to leave as he enters the final year of his deal, while Alexis Mac Allister is also linked with an exit.

Attention then turns towards incoming players and possible replacements, as Adam Wharton and Alex Scott have been linked with a potential move to Anfield.

However, there is a fresh option on the cards for Liverpool, with a French international now on the club’s radar for the summer.

Liverpool Want Khephren Thuram

Reports from Italian outlet TuttoJuve claim that Liverpool are eyeing a move for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, who could be on the market.

The Merseyside outfit could be set to battle it out with their rivals Manchester United, though, as they are also listed as a team with interest in the 25-year-old.

Thuram has been a regular for Juventus ever since he made the move from OGC Nice in 2024, making just shy of 100 appearances for the Bianconeri in that time.

His availability on the market for a bargain, relative to others being touted with a move to the Premier League, could make the midfielder an attractive option.

Juventus are yet to set a price tag for a possible exit, but discussions in the €45-50 million (£38.8-43.1 million) range could tempt a move for the star.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool could jump at that offer, which may make Thuram the second French international on the radar this summer, while the Reds continue to pursue a move for Bradley Barcola.

Thuram Would Add Quality

If Liverpool were to make a move for Thuram, then it would add some serious quality into the midfield that may be needed heading into next season.

It’s clear that the Reds need extra energy in the middle, and with the potential exits of Jones and Mac Allister, both quality and depth will be required.

Thuram has been described as “spectacular” since joining Juventus, largely playing in a deep-lying role in the midfield ranks for the Serie A club.

At six-foot-four-inches tall, he has the build of someone ready to compete in the Premier League, along with the age profile that would see him spend his peak years in the division.

Throw a reasonable transfer fee into the mix, and it appears to be a deal that would clearly suit Liverpool in the current market conditions.

Manchester United still have plenty of alternatives to pivot to in their search for a new defensive midfielder this summer. Michael Carrick is hoping to build on the success he managed at Old Trafford during his interim spell now that he is the permanent boss, but he knows the level of his squad needs to improve.

While the Red Devils wound up cruising to a third-place finish, fresh talent is going to have to be added if they have any hope of catching Arsenal and Manchester City, who look to be in a league of their own as far as the Premier League goes.

One area United have little choice but to add to this summer is the defensive midfield, with Casemiro having packed his bags and departed Old Trafford. But it is an extremely costly area to invest in, and deals are not easy to reach. Fortunately for United, it looks as though they have options.

Man Utd might struggle to land Anderson

United have been heavily linked with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson this summer, with the midfielder clearly on track for a big move following a superb campaign. But a number of clubs are said to be interested, and according to GIVEMESPORT’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs, that could see the Red Devils go elsewhere, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, a more offensive Alex Scott and Brighton’s holding midfielder Carlos Baleba also being considered.

Jacobs posted on X: “Manchester United view Elliot Anderson as a dream target, but they won’t get sucked into a bidding war, especially without player buy-in first. Cost of deal, plus a feeling Anderson favours #MCFC mean Manchester United are advancing on other targets as of now. Mateus Fernandes remains one to watch with talks underway on player side. Bournemouth will speak to Alex Scott further on his future soon and value him at around £80m. Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s list as well.”

Baleba remains an option for Manchester United

Baleba, likely to cost at least £70million this summer, is just the latest smart Brighton signing to have gone from strength-to-strength at the Amex Stadium. The Cameroon international has proven a worthy successor to Moises Caicedo, and he played a pivotal role in helping the Seagulls to European qualification, playing in 31 of the 38 Premier League games.

The midfielder, described as a ‘monster’, is still only 22 years of age, and he has already been described as a ‘great player’ by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzuler, who said back in 2024: “I think he’s a great player, he’s developing and improving fast and he’s adapting to the ideas very quickly. He understands it and as I have always said he has so much potential. When we go into detail there’s so many things where you can improve, and our job is to help him and to give him this environment.”

A combative midfielder with plenty of potential is what United are after this summer, and they would clearly prefer a player with Premier League experience – a style of recruitment that has led them well in the last year.

But Brighton are notoriously difficult to do business with, and their qualification for Europe will not help. A reported asking price of between £80million and £100million has been floated, although there are going to be very few viable options for less than £80million this summer.