08/06/2026
๐จ BREAKING: CAF's 2025 African Referee of the Year, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States! ๐บ๐ธ๐ธ๐ด
As a result, the Somali official will be unable to take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and is expected to return home.
According to reports, Artan encountered visa-related challenges despite receiving assistance from the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, which helped facilitate the issuance of a diplomatic passport.
A disappointing setback for one of Africa's most respected referees, whose absence will be felt on football's biggest stage.
[Via@Romain Molina]