Hero’s welcome for Somali referee denied entry to US World Cup tournament | Racism News | Al Jazeera
Author: Faisal AliPublished on: June 10, 2026Country: Somalia
SportsWorld / International

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Africa's top referee, was turned away at Miami airport while on his way to the World Cup, despite having a valid visa. He received a hero's welcome in Mogadishu from government officials and supporters. The denial is attributed to US immigration restrictions and Donald Trump's rhetoric targeting Somalia.
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