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Kenya welcomes, honors Somali referee denied U.S. entry for World Cup
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Kenya welcomes, honors Somali referee denied U.S. entry for World Cup

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Kenyan officials and a large crowd welcomed and honored Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan in Nairobi after the U.S. denied him entry for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Health Minister Aden Duale praised Artan's achievement as the first Somali World Cup referee and encouraged East African youth to persevere despite setbacks.
  • Artan, who was named Africa's best referee last year, will officiate the European Super Cup final and had previously been celebrated as a hero in Somalia.

Nairobi, Kenya – A jubilant crowd and Kenyan officials, including Health Minister Aden Duale, welcomed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan in Nairobi on Friday. The ceremony honored Artan after he was denied entry to the United States in early June, preventing his participation in the 2026 World Cup.

In a show of solidarity and regional support, I presided over a welcome ceremony for Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose historic opportunity at the World Cup was abruptly cut short last month.

— Aden DualeKenyan Health Minister Aden Duale speaking at the welcome ceremony for Omar Abdulkadir Artan.

Duale lauded Artan's historic achievement as the first Somali to be selected as a referee for a FIFA World Cup match. He acknowledged the "professional setback" of the U.S. entry ban but emphasized Artan's resilience and perseverance. "I stressed resilience and perseverance, encouraging the youth of East Africa not to be discouraged by obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams," Duale stated at the event held in Nairobi's Eastleigh neighborhood.

Artan, 34, expressed his gratitude for the "overwhelming love" and "warm reception" from attendees, which included the president of the Kenyan Football Federation and the Somali ambassador to Kenya. "Your incredible support and this beautiful ceremony mean everything to me," Artan posted on social media after the event.

The event served as a celebration of his achievements and a show of international support in the face of disappointment. I stressed resilience and perseverance, encouraging the youth of East Africa not to be discouraged by obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams.

— Aden DualeKenyan Health Minister Aden Duale explaining the purpose of the welcome ceremony.

Artan, recognized as Africa's best referee last year, is scheduled to officiate the European Super Cup final between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12. After being denied entry to Miami, he returned to his home country, where he was celebrated as a hero in Mogadishu on June 10.

The overwhelming love and warm reception I received from my people and the distinguished leaders who gathered at BBS Mall truly touched my heart. Your incredible support and this beautiful ceremony mean everything to me. Thank you all for standing by me!

— Omar Abdulkadir ArtanSomali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan expressing his gratitude on social media after the ceremony.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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