- 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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