U.S. Explains Denial of Entry to Somali World Cup Referee Omar Artan
Author: kenyans.co.kePublished on: June 10, 2026Country: United States
SportsWorld / International

The Trump administration denied entry to Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, citing alleged associations with suspected terrorist members. Artan, who had a three-month multiple-entry visa issued after vetting at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, was questioned for 11 hours about Al Shabab. He returned to Somalia after being turned away in Miami, sparking backlash across Africa. White House World Cup Task Force Chief Andrew Giuliani supported the decision without providing details.
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