Somali referee Artan barred from entering USA

Somali referee Artan barred from entering USAImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Omar Artan has been Fifa referee since 2018ByMike PeterBBC Sport journalistPublished3 minutes agoSomali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, has been denied entry to the United States.Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.No reason for Artan's repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.Artan is among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from 12 June to 19 July.An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon).Related topicsFootballFIFA World Cup 2026More on this story'A World Cup for them not us': Fans' anger at US travel bans and visa restrictionsAttributionNewsPublished18 hours agoWorld Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCPublished2 days agoEverything you need to know about the World CupPublished1 April