Trump administration cites alleged terror links in denying Omar Artan entry ahead of World Cup | OneFootball

The Trump administration said it refused Somali referee Omar Artan entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup, citing information that made him ineligible under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The administration told The Athletic on Wednesday that the material included alleged links to members of terrorist organisations.

Artan was turned back by border police at Miami International Airport on Saturday, 6 June, after 11 hours of questioning. He had been due to officiate at the tournament from 11 June to 19 July.

The White House did not answer questions about the nature of those links or which organisation was involved.

"I had the right papers," Artan said. The interview was published by the New York Times.

The 34-year-old was voted the best referee of 2025 by the Confederation of African Football.

Source: L'Équipe