Omar Artan, recognized as Africa's top referee in 2025, was scheduled to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, he was denied entry into the United States by US authorities, resulting in his removal from the officiating roster for the tournament.
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Somali referee denied entry to the US, removed from FIFA World Cup 2026
Omar Artan, the leading referee from Africa in 2025, was set to be the first Somali official at a FIFA World Cup. His plans were disrupted when US authorities denied him entry into the country.
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Somali referee denied US entry, dropped from FIFA World Cup 2026
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Somali referee denied entry to the US, removed from FIFA World Cup 2026
