- A Somali referee, Omar Artan, has been barred from entering the US, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
- Artan was set to make history as the first person from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup.
- Andrew Giuliani, chief of the White House’s World Cup Taskforce, defended the decision, citing alleged connections to "bad actors.”
- Giuliani stated that anyone communicating with individuals who pose a threat to the US would not be granted entry.
- He declined to elaborate further on the specifics of the ban, emphasising the importance of ensuring a safe and secure tournament.
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