Omar Artan: U.S. denial ended my World Cup dream
Somali referee Omar Artan has spoken of his heartbreak after being denied entry into the United States, a decision that ultimately cost him the opportunity to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Artan, who was named Referee of the Year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials after being refused entry upon arriving in Miami on Saturday.
The decision comes amid travel restrictions imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, with Somalia among the countries affected.
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