Jacob Smith

9 Jun 2026

Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the list of officials… – Jacob Smith

Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the list of officials for the upcoming FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, was reportedly turned away at Miami International Airport and sent to Turkey. No official reason has been provided, though Somalia remains on a travel restriction list introduced by the Trump administration. #FIFA #WorldCup #Somalia