A Somali referee on course to become the first official from the Horn of Africa nation to work at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament has been refused entry to the United States, casting uncertainty over a landmark moment for Somali football.
Omar Artan, the first Somali referee appointed by FIFA to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry upon arriving in the U.S. and was subsequently returned to Istanbul, according to reports.
Artan departed Istanbul Airport on June 6 aboard a Turkish Airlines flight bound for Miami, where he was scheduled to continue preparations for the World Cup.
However, after landing at Miami International Airport, U.S. authorities informed him that he would not be permitted to enter the country.
He was placed on a return Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul and arrived back in Türkiye on Monday afternoon.
