Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was expected to make history as Somalia’s first referee at the FIFA World Cup, was stopped from entering the United States on June 6 by U.S. border authorities. Reports suggest the decision was connected to travel restrictions affecting Somali citizens.
When Artan returned to Mogadishu, hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome him, celebrating his achievement despite the setback. U.S. officials later said the decision followed security screening procedures and cited concerns about possible links to groups viewed as security threats.
