A 2026 World Cup referee from Somalia was denied entry to the U.S. despite having a visa — CNN
Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who is among the referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite having been granted a U.S. visa.
After a lengthy visa application process, Artan received his visa and traveled to the United States. However, upon arrival, U.S. border officials denied him entry and sent him back to Turkey.
He was not given any explanation for this decision.
In response to the incident, the head of the Somali Football Federation’s referees’ committee appealed to FIFA. In response, the international federation called on the host countries of the 2026 World Cup to show greater flexibility regarding visa issues for tournament participants.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan is considered one of Africa’s leading soccer referees. He previously officiated the final match of the African Champions League.
Source: CNN.
Roland Garros 2026 broke the attendance record
The winner of the junior Roland Garros will renounce her Russian citizenship.
