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Trump government says there was 'weighty reason' to bar Somali referee from World Cup
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Trump government says there was 'weighty reason' to bar Somali referee from World Cup

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Trump administration cited a "weighty reason" for denying entry to a Somali referee selected for the World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, White House World Cup task force director.
  • Giuliani stated that immigration authorities had a "very solid reason" for the decision, though details were not provided, emphasizing support for the decision.
  • The referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was prevented from entering the U.S. due to background check issues, despite reportedly having a valid visa, and Somalia is among countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions.

The Trump administration maintained there was a "weighty reason" behind the decision to deny entry to a Somali referee selected for the World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup task force. Giuliani asserted that U.S. immigration authorities had a "very solid reason" for barring Omar Abdulkadir Artan.

Giuliani, speaking at an event in Washington, stated, "Although I cannot go into details, what I can tell you, broadly speaking, is that there was a weighty reason. I support that decision." He confirmed he had spoken directly with Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, who conveyed the justification for the denial.

Although I cannot go into details, what I can tell you, broadly speaking, is that there was a weighty reason. I support that decision.

— Andrew GiulianiGiuliani explains the administration's stance on denying entry to the Somali referee.

Artan, recognized as the African Football Confederation's men's referee of the year for 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match. However, upon arriving at Miami International Airport on June 6, he was denied entry due to "issues in the background verification process," according to a CBP spokesperson. Somali authorities have stated Artan possessed a valid U.S. visa and confirmed he would not participate in the tournament.

Somalia, grappling with jihadist violence, is on the list of countries whose citizens face U.S. travel bans under President Donald Trump's administration. Other nations on this list include Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and Iran. Notably, some Iranian team staff also faced visa denials for entry into the U.S. Giuliani commented on the Iranian situation, stating that while the entire technical staff would be admitted, certain delegation members would not, citing "well-founded reasons" without providing specifics, and suggesting some individuals might not be genuine coaches.

There was a very solid reason why, ultimately, that referee could not enter the country.

— Andrew GiulianiGiuliani reiterates the justification for the immigration decision.
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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