A Somali World Cup ref who had hoped to make history at this summer’s tournament was barred from entering the United States after Customs and Border Protection officials uncovered “derogatory” information, including alleged ties to individuals suspected of terrorism, according to the Trump administration.
Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official to referee at the World Cup, was denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, just days before the tournament kicked off across North America.
A Trump administration official told Fox News that Artan was deemed inadmissible under U.S. immigration law after additional screening.
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States,” a Trump administration official said in a statement. “Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”
“The traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
CBP said the Somali World Cup ref was turned away over unspecified “vetting concerns.” According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, Artan had only recently been granted a U.S. visa and was scheduled to join fellow referees in Miami for pre-tournament training.
Artan, one of Africa’s top referees, had been assigned to the World Cup and was expected to make history for Somalia.
He returned to Somalia on Wednesday and thanked supporters for standing behind him.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
The Trump administration has imposed travel restrictions on roughly three dozen countries as part of its broader effort to tighten immigration controls and strengthen national security. Somalia is among the nations affected.
Despite the setback, Artan urged his countrymen to rally around Somalia’s image.
“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” Artan said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
The World Cup officially gets underway on Thursday, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada sharing hosting duties.
The tournament will conclude July 18 when the championship match is played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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