WC 2026 ⚽ · 9 June 2026
US blocks Somali referee from World Cup debut
The opportunity for a Somali referee to make a historic debut at the next World Cup vanished when he was refused admission to the United States. Omar Artan, anticipated to be his nation's inaugural official, had his progress halted at Miami International Airport this past weekend. He had valid travel documents, but Somalia is on a US travel ban list.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs