Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a 34-year-old Somali referee who was set to make history as the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, was denied entry into the United States on June 6. The World Cup begins June 11.
Five days. That’s how close Artan got to the biggest moment of his career before US Customs and Border Protection turned him away at Miami International Airport, citing “vetting concerns.” FIFA confirmed on June 8 that Artan would be removed from its list of 52 selected match officials for the tournament.
What happened at Miami airport
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport carrying a valid single-entry US visa and a diplomatic passport. Neither mattered.
US Customs and Border Protection flagged him over unspecified vetting concerns. He was not allowed to enter the country.
