Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)

Thousands gathered in Mogadishu to give a hero's welcome to referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States where he had been due to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. American authorities deemed him a national security threat, even after he was given a diplomatic passport.

Artan, named #CAF African Referee of the Year for 2025, had been set to become the first Somali official to work at the tournament. His exclusion has drawn widespread condemnation in Somalia and the world, with many describing it as discrimination. Thankfully he made it back home safely.

#FIFAWC2026 #OmarAbdulkadirArtan #Football #WC2026 #Sports #WorldCup2026

https://youtu.be/VG08OUCqWt0?si=Eq8QNjPmZKuhgUaO

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