2026 World Cup: huge scandal as referee Omar Artan turned away upon arrival in the United States

Three days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite a diplomatic passport obtained through the Somali embassy in Nairobi. He was sent back to Turkey upon arrival. African opinion is outraged, especially since he was named 2025 African Referee of the Year by CAF. FIFA has not intervened, and some are already calling this edition the 'World Cup of shame'.