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‘It was a very tough period’: Somali referee Omar Artan on FIFA World Cup snub
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The Indian Express
In June, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was refused entry into the United States to officiate in the FIFA World Cup.
He was carrying a diplomatic passport as well as a valid single-entry US visa issued for the World Cup.
#SuperCup referee Omar Artan has touched down in Salzburg 🇸🇴🛬🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/t4mwbPwFEZ — UEFA (@UEFA) August 10, 2026The referee insisted he had completed every requirement before travelling and believed all his documentation was in order.
“I’m simply a referee trying to achieve the biggest dream of my career by working at the World Cup.”
He also pledged to continue pursuing his ambition of officiating at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.