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U.S. Denies Entry to Top African Referee Ahead of 2026 World Cup

KVIA••CNN Newsource
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Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee recognized as the best male referee in Africa for 2025, has been denied entry into the United States, which prevents him from officiating at the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Artan underwent additional inspection upon arrival in Miami from Istanbul, leading to a determination of inadmissibility based on verification concerns. Somalia is among the nations affected by the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration, resulting in increased scrutiny for its citizens. FIFA has confirmed that it does not influence visa processes but noted that the host government ultimately decides who is granted entry.

Key Details: • Omar Abdulkadir Artan was selected to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. • Somalia is one of 39 countries under the previous U.S. travel ban. • FIFA stated that visa decisions are made by the host country's government.

immigration world-cup soccer visa referee

People & Organizations

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionMiamiIstanbulUnited StatesFIFAMehdi TajSomaliaAmir GhalenoeiOmar Abdulkadir ArtanConfederación Africana de Fútbol

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