I have right papers and visa - barred referee Artan
Summary
Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup despite having a valid visa and diplomatic passport. He was detained for hours during an 11-hour immigration interview at Miami airport and sent back to Turkey, preventing him from officiating at the tournament.Key Facts
- Omar Artan was the first Somali referee chosen to work at the World Cup finals.
- He was denied entry at Miami International Airport after a long immigration interview.
- Artan had the correct visa and a diplomatic passport issued to ease his travel.
- US authorities provided no specific reason for the denial of entry.
- Somalia is one of the countries affected by a travel ban introduced under President Donald Trump's administration.
- FIFA confirmed Artan will miss the World Cup as he cannot enter the US to train and referee.
- All World Cup referees must stay at a training base in Miami during the tournament.
- The World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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