Africa's top referee has received a hero's welcome in his home country after being labeled a terror threat and barred from the US World Cup by Donald Trump.
Denied Entry Despite Valid Visa
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was set to make history as the first referee from his nation to officiate at the tournament, having been selected by FIFA. However, he was denied entry and interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport, despite holding a valid visa. US officials claimed he had links to "suspected members of terror organizations."
Hero's Welcome in Mogadishu
Artan arrived back in Somalia yesterday, where he was greeted by cheering supporters, government officials, and journalists. Photos show him being handed flowers and draped in a large Somali flag after landing in Mogadishu. Determined not to let the setback derail his career, he said: "I will continue to work hard and I won't get discouraged. I promise you that in the next World Cup I will go much further and make history."
Outrage and Support
The incident sparked outrage in Somalia, where Artan's appointment had been celebrated as a major milestone for the nation. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, voiced his support, stating: "Omar Artan didn't just make the World Cup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as Africa's best. That milestone stands no matter what." A White House official said Artan was refused entry after information linked him to "suspected members of terror organizations." Artan has denied any wrongdoing and previously stated he knew nothing about the extremist group Al-Shabab when questioned by US authorities.
