11/06/2026
A Somali referee set to become the first official from his country to work at a World Cup was denied entry to the United States after being questioned for 11 hours on arrival in Miami.
Omar Artan, named Africa's best male referee in 2025, said border officials repeatedly asked him about al-Shabab before sending him back to Istanbul despite having a valid visa. FIFA later removed him from the list of match officials.
"I'm simply a referee trying to live the biggest dream of my life," Artan said. He returned to Somalia to a hero's welcome and says he remains focused on the future.