Referee Omar Abdul Qader Artan reacts to 2026 World Cup absence
Somali referee Omar Abdel Qader Artan has been barred from entering the United States, resulting in his exclusion from officiating matches at the 2026 World Cup, despite being selected to be the first referee from his country to participate in the tournament. FIFA stated that the decision to ban him is due to US authorities, as they do not have direct authority over visa procedures. The ban followed a routine screening that included refusal of entry due to security concerns, while FIFA expressed appreciation for Artan's performance and his honorable representation of Somalia in the world of football.
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