Inclusive World Cup? Somali Referee Barred at Border Raises Doubts

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, set to be the first Somali referee at a World Cup, was denied entry, casting doubt on claims of inclusivity. Morgan Ofori explores this amid US travel bans.

Brit Brief 11/06/2026 14:11

Inclusive World Cup? Somali Referee Barred at Border Raises Doubts — Inclusive World Cup? Somali Referee Barred at Border

When the best referee in Africa is barred from working at the World Cup after being denied entry at the border, claims of this being an inclusive tournament ring hollow.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was supposed to make history this week, becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. Instead, he is watching from home.

In this video, Morgan Ofori digs into a historic year for African nations against the backdrop of US travel bans.