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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Steph Brawn

Anger as Somali referee barred from US days before World Cup

Omar Artan Fifa World Cup United States AFRICA Football Somalia a World Cup the World Cup
Omar Artan has been barred from the US (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

AFRICA's top referee who was set to be the first from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup has been barred from entering the US, leading to widespread condemnation.

Omar Artan was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year in 2025 but has now been dropped from the list of officials for the tournament after being denied entry at Miami International Airport despite allegedly having a valid travel visa.

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