Referee denied entry into U.S. was talking to "very bad people," official says
Summary
A Somali referee chosen for the World Cup was denied entry into the U.S. because officials said he was talking to people linked to terrorism. The Trump administration's World Cup task force defended the decision but has not shared proof. Some players and Iranian team officials faced extra checks or entry blocks due to security concerns.Key Facts
- Omar Artan, a Somali referee selected by FIFA for the World Cup, was denied entry to the U.S. and sent back.
- Andrew Giuliani, top official for the U.S. World Cup task force, said Artan was in contact with "very bad people" right before coming to the U.S.
- Customs and Border Protection found "derogatory information" about Artan, including ties to suspected terror groups, but no evidence has been made public.
- Artan had completed all visa paperwork and was still blocked from entering the U.S.
- After denial in the U.S., Artan was picked to referee a major European soccer game, the European Super Cup final.
- Some World Cup players, including from Iraq, were held for extra questioning but eventually allowed into the U.S.
- Iranian team officials were denied entry due to suspected links with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, forcing the team to train in Mexico instead of the U.S.
- Iranian players and coaches were allowed limited entry only shortly before matches, with strict conditions to leave quickly after.
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