Somali referee set to officiate at World Cup is dropped after being denied entry to US
AI Summary
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee scheduled to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport and subsequently removed from the tournament roster. Despite holding a valid visa, US authorities cited "vetting concerns" without providing specific details. Artan was returned to Turkey after being turned away.
Progressive: Progressive-leaning outlets emphasize that Artan was an award-winning referee (2025 African Referee of the Year) who would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup, and link his denial to the Trump administration's hardened immigration policies toward Somalia and increased restrictions on refugees.
Fifa said Omar Artan was refused entry after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, adding that it was powerless to influence the decision. ...