World Cup ref denied entry to the US was about to make history for Somalia
Summary
Omar Artan, a Somali referee chosen to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami Airport due to unspecified security concerns. As a result, he was removed from the tournament by FIFA, missing the chance to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a referee from Somalia.
- He was selected by FIFA to referee at the 2026 World Cup.
- Artan was set to be the first Somali referee in World Cup history.
- He was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025.
- He was denied entry to the US at Miami International Airport.
- The US Customs and Border Protection cited "vetting concerns" but did not provide details.
- After denial of entry, FIFA removed him from the World Cup referee list.
- The incident occurred shortly before the World Cup tournament began.
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