Omar Artan given hero’s welcome in Somalia after referee’s US entry blocked

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Omar Artan, a Somali World Cup referee, was welcomed in Mogadishu after being denied US entry on national security grounds. Artan is one of Africa's top referees and was set to officiate in the World Cup before the denial.

Artan deemed a threat to national security by US officials ‘I promise you that I will attend the next one’ The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the US arrived on Wednesday in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where he was received by a crowd of supporters and officials. Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making Fifa’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. Continue reading...