Canada offers to host Somali World Cup referee denied entry by US

Canada has extended an offer to host Somali referee Omar Artan for the 2026 World Cup, stepping in after the United States denied him entry into the country. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced that Artan would be welcomed to officiate matches in the Canadian city, one of the tournament's venues.

"Denying entry to Omar Artan, who has earned his place on the world stage through hard work and perseverance, is not right," Chow stated in a release. She added that Toronto "believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine." The mayor announced she would write to FIFA to confirm the city's welcome for the referee.

Chow's reaction followed the US Customs and Border Protection's statement that a Somali citizen selected to referee the World Cup underwent additional inspection and was deemed inadmissible due to issues arising during the "verification process." While the US authorities did not publicly identify the individual, Artan is the only Somali referee chosen for the World Cup and was set to be the first from his country to officiate in the tournament.

David Eby, the prime minister of British Columbia, also voiced support for Artan, proposing he officiate matches in Vancouver, another Canadian host city. "Omar Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for all he has overcome and how far he has come. Let's have him referee in Vancouver," Eby wrote on social media. FIFA has stated that entry into host countries is the sole responsibility of each government and confirmed the US decision would prevent Artan from participating in training and officiating at the World Cup.

“

Negarle la entrada a Omar Artan, que se ha ganado su lugar en el escenario mundial con trabajo duro y perseverancia, no es correcto