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Somali referee denied US entry before World Cup debut

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June 11, 2026

Omar Artan found himself at the center of controversy after being denied entry to the US, with FIFA suggesting it could not overrule the decision. Somalia is one of 12 countries on a US travel ban list.

The head of football's governing body promised the biggest and most inclusive World Cup ever. But it doesn't appear so.

With record-high ticket prices, inadequate transport to stadiums, and strict visa requirements, the US has faced widespread criticism over its handling of the tournament, which it's co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.

And now, one of Africa's top referees, Omar Artan, has prematurely returned home to Somalia - to a hero's welcome. A show of solidarity after US immigration denied him entry for the World Cup even though he says he had the right papers. The US accuses him of having terror links. It would have been a milestone achievement for Artan as the first referee from his country to officiate at the World Cup.

Tomi Oladipo Tomi Oladipo is a British-born Nigerian journalist based in Berlin.
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