2026 World Cup: African referee denied entry to US due to Trump's order

Author: Ifreke InyangPublished on: June 8, 2026Country: Somalia

SportsWorld / International

2026 World Cup: African referee denied entry to US due to Trump's order

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport because Somalia is on the travel ban list imposed by President Donald Trump. He had a valid visa and was scheduled to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup. Ciise Aden Abshir, an advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, condemned the decision, saying it harms the referee and undermines football's commitment to fair play.

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