'I'm focused on my future,' says African referee as FIFA confirms World Cup removal

Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from officiating at the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States at Miami airport. FIFA confirmed he will not officiate, stating it has no control over host country immigration decisions. Artan, who would have been the first Somali to referee a World Cup, said he is focusing on his future. Somalia is on the travel ban list of the Trump administration.