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Somali World Cup Referee Denied U.S. Entry, Returns Home to Hero's Welcome

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Somali international football referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Artan was welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu, vowing to officiate in the 2030 World Cup.
  • The U.S. cited alleged links to terrorism as the reason for denying entry, a move that angered many in Somalia.

Omar Artan, a Somali international football referee, received a hero's welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on June 10, after being denied entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Over 100 supporters waved national flags and cheered as Artan disembarked from his Turkish Airlines flight.

Artan, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 2025, vowed to participate in the next World Cup in 2030. "I will participate in the next World Cup, I will continue to make Somalia proud... Despite this happening, I will not be discouraged," he told reporters.

I will participate in the next World Cup, I will continue to make Somalia proud… Despite this happening, I will not be discouraged.

— Omar ArtanSpeaking to reporters upon his arrival in Mogadishu.

The U.S. denied Artan entry at Miami International Airport on June 6, citing alleged connections to terrorism suspects. This decision sparked outrage in Somalia, with many viewing it as an act of bullying. "They bullied him like this, it hurt everyone's heart," said Mohamed Said, a Somali civil servant at the airport.

FIFA confirmed that Artan would not participate in the current World Cup. He had been named to the 52-person referee list for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, a selection that was considered a significant honor for Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had previously praised Artan as a role model for the new generation of Somalis.

They bullied him like this, it hurt everyone's heart.

— Mohamed SaidA Somali civil servant commenting on Artan's entry denial at the airport.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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