Somalia: Excluded from World Cup, Omar Artan returns to Mogadishu

Author: AfricaNewsPublished on: June 10, 2026Country: Somalia

Sports

Somalia: Excluded from World Cup, Omar Artan returns to Mogadishu

Omar Artan, 34, the first Somali referee selected for the World Cup, was denied entry to the US at Miami airport. US authorities cited background check issues. He was detained for 11 hours, questioned about Somalia and al-Shabab, then sent back to Istanbul. He had a valid visa issued by the US embassy.

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