Somalia: Somali Referee Omar Artan Returns to Hero's Welcome After US Entry Denial

Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned to Mogadishu to a warm reception at Aden Adde International Airport by football officials, fans and well-wishers after being denied entry to the United States, where he had been scheduled to officiate the FIFA Club World Cup. No reason has been publicly issued by U.S. immigration authorities, but Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the Trump administration. The incident sparked widespread reaction in Somalia, viewed as a setback for a sports official who had earned international recognition. Artan urged young Somalis not to lose hope in their country.