Top African Referee Omar Artan Denied US Entry Just Before World Cup

Somalia’s standout official Omar Artan has been blocked from entering the United States days before the World Cup kicks off. Artan, 34, was named CAF’s Best Referee for 2025 and was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. Despite resolving his visa issues with support from his embassy in Nairobi, he travelled via Turkey to Miami only to be turned back and sent to Istanbul. Artan is one of eight African referees chosen for the tournament. FIFA has yet to clarify whether he will arrive in time. Somalia remains on the US travel ban list, which has already affected other World Cup participants. Teams like Iran are adjusting plans too, basing themselves in Mexico and only entering the US on matchdays under strict rules.

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