- cross-posted to:
- worldnews@lemmy.ml
- cross-posted to:
- worldnews@lemmy.ml
Football governing body Fifa has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster after American authorities denied him entry into the country, ending what would have been the first World Cup finals appearance by a Somali match official.
Artan, the Confederation of African Football’s men’s referee of the year in 2025, was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
US immigration authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision.
In a statement, Fifa said Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament after discussions with US authorities.
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US immigration authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision.
We all know the reason. Racism.
Let’s not jump to conclusions. It might very well be xenophobia.
FIFA bends the knee to Trump.
It’s unsurprising that FIFA is supporting American fascism, but seems like they could just send this guy to some Mexican games and try to get one of the Mexico-scheduled refs into the US.
I was on the understanding that was offered.
Boycotting the circus is the only way.
He could have been given a match on in one of the other hosts.
Cowards.
