- Omar Artan, an acclaimed Somali football referee, has been denied entry to the United States, effectively preventing him from becoming the first from his nation to officiate at the World Cup.
- The 34-year-old, one of Africa’s top referees, had earned a coveted spot on FIFA’s final list for the tournament, which the US is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada.
- US Customs and Border Protection cited “vetting concerns” for the refusal, while a US official later said he was denied entry due to “association with suspected members of terror organizations.”
- Somali officials suggest the denial might be linked to travel restrictions imposed during the Trump administration, as Somalia is one of nearly 40 countries whose citizens are banned from entry.
- FIFA said that a host government “ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country”, as in line with previous events.
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