Somali Referee Says His World Cup Dream Is Dashed After U.S. Denies Entry
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from participating in the World Cup soccer tournament despite having the proper visa and documentation.
- Artan was one of 52 referees selected for the tournament and would have been the first Somali to officiate a World Cup game, representing a significant achievement for Somalis worldwide.
- After being detained and questioned overnight at Miami International Airport, Artan was flown to Istanbul, expressing deep disappointment over the missed opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream.
- Artan has over a decade of professional refereeing experience and was named referee of the year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, highlighting his qualifications and recognition in the sport.