Somali World Cup Referee Gets Hero's Welcome

Описание: A World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States was received by a large crowd of supporters and officials in Mogadishu on Wednesday before telling media he hopes to officiate at the next World Cup in four years' time.

Omar Artan, who was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was set to become the first match official from Somalia to appear at a World Cup after being included on FIFA’s final list for the tournament.

However, Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday over “vetting concerns”, according to a statement from US Customs and Border Protection.

FIFA subsequently removed the 34-year-old from their list of referees for the tournament.
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