VIDEO: Referee Omar Artan receives hero’s welcome in Somalia after US entry denial
Somalia referee Omar Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome on Wednesday after being denied entry into the United States.
This major setback ended his chance of becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament this season.
Speaking during the reception in Mogadishu, officials praised Artan for his contribution to football and said his selection represented an important step for Somali sport and its visibility on the global stage.
“What happened has happened, and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me. Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be,” Artan said.
