Somali World Cup referee barred from U.S. over suspected terror ties

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, named Africa's best referee last year, was denied entry to the United States and deported after border agents uncovered alleged links to a terrorist organization during an extended background check at Miami airport.

Somali World Cup referee barred from U.S. over suspected terror ties

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali football official who was crowned Africa's top referee in 2024, was refused entry into the United States and sent back to Istanbul after spending eleven hours in detention at Miami airport. The incident prevented him from officiating at the World Cup finals that began on Thursday.

Artan had traveled with a diplomatic passport, a valid U.S. visa, and the backing of the Somali government, which confirmed his paperwork was in order. Nevertheless, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers held him upon arrival and, following additional screening, concluded he had connections to individuals suspected of belonging to a terrorist group.

A senior White House official told The Athletic that the administration would not allow any security threat to enter the country. "No one who poses a danger to our nation will be permitted entry — period," the official stated, citing section 8235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as the basis for the expedited removal. The Athletic asked the White House to name the terror group and specify the nature of Artan's alleged ties, but received no answers.

Democratic congressman Rick Larsen backed CBP's decision, telling The Athletic that agents have the authority to examine travelers' phones and communications. "It appears they found certain conversations on this individual's devices concerning enough to deny entry," Larsen said.

Artan, who would have become the first Somali referee ever to officiate at a World Cup final tournament, returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday. In a statement to domestic media, he thanked officials, ministers, and parliamentarians for their support and vowed to serve as a referee at the next World Cup.

Source: ERR (Eesti Rahvusringhääling) – https://sport.err.ee/1610051818/valge-maja-somaalia-jalgpallikohtunikul-on-sidemed-terroristidega

Source: ERR