Thousands of Somalis have expressed support for Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after he was denied entry to the United States ahead of a FIFA World Cup 2026-related event.
Artan was reportedly turned back after arriving in Miami several days ago, where he was due to join fellow FIFA officials in preparations for the global sporting event.
He is currently in Türkiye and is expected to return to Mogadishu on Wednesday.
In a press statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said it was disappointed by the decision, noting that efforts made jointly with FIFA to persuade U.S. authorities to allow the referee entry were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, dozens of Somalis have called for a hero’s welcome for the country’s first FIFA World Cup referee upon his return. Others have suggested launching a fundraising campaign to recognize and support the young official following the incident.
