Fury Erupts as Top World Cup Referee Denied Entry to U.S.

The Daily Beast

Fury Erupts as Top World Cup Referee Denied Entry to U.S.

Getty Images A top World Cup referee was barred from the United States and forced to fly home, days before the tournament kicks off on U.S. soil. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was set to become the first Somali official to take charge of a soccer World Cup match, having been named Africa’s best referee in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football. He landed at Miami International Airport on Saturday after a flight from Istanbul, believing he held a valid work visa—but was pulled aside, refused, and sent back. FIFA confirmed the ban on Monday. Artan “will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a spokesperson said, as reported by CBS News. The body insisted it plays no part in immigration calls, noting a “host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.” Read more at The Daily Beast.

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