Banned referee Artan arrives home in Somalia
Summary
Referee Omar Artan, who was banned from entering the United States despite having a visa, returned to Somalia after being denied entry at Miami Airport. He was unable to participate in the 2030 World Cup preparations in the U.S. due to a travel ban on Somalia imposed by President Donald Trump.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a Somali referee named Africa's Referee of the Year in 2025.
- He was selected as one of 52 referees for the 2030 World Cup.
- Artan was barred from entering the U.S. at Miami International Airport despite holding a diplomatic passport and visa.
- The U.S. has a travel ban on Somalia that started in June 2025 under President Trump.
- Artan was detained for several hours and then flown back to Istanbul before returning to Somalia.
- All referees for the World Cup train and prepare in Florida, making it impossible for Artan to participate from outside the U.S.
- Upon return, Artan was welcomed by Somali officials and encouraged youth not to lose hope in their country.
- White House officials supported the decision to bar Artan but did not provide specific reasons.
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