EDO STATE SHUTS DOWN SCHOOLS FOLLOWING DSS WARNING OF PLANNED STUDENT ABDUCTIONS. (PHOTO).
Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States after officials claimed “derogatory information” linked him to suspected members of terror organisations, in a dramatic development ahead of the World Cup.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, was stopped at Miami International Airport despite holding a diplomatic passport and valid visa.
According to US officials, further inspection by border authorities led to the decision under immigration law, stating the traveller was ineligible for admission based on security concerns.
The 34-year-old, named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was later sent back and has since returned to Somalia after being detained and questioned upon arrival in the US.
Artan previously said he was questioned about alleged links to a Somali militant group, which he denied.
Upon his return to Mogadishu, he was welcomed by officials, football leaders, and supporters. He later spoke briefly, thanking those who supported him and urging young people not to lose hope despite the setback.
He also reaffirmed his ambition to officiate at a future World Cup, insisting his journey is not over.
A major pre-tournament controversy now casting a shadow over the officiating setup… ⚽🇸🇴
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