FUCK ME! Artan was interrogated & jailed then sent home because his name is the same as a leader of terror group Al Shabab
It’s 2026 & they can't verify people beyond well same name, so it could be!
Imagine a terrorist leader who goes undercover becoming the best ref in Africa to get into the U.S
Steve Brewer
FIFA confirms Somali ref Omar Artan "will be unable to train & officiate at the WC ‘26 after he was denied entry into the U.S" & says it "has been informed by authorities that his status will not be changed at present."
He was denied entry to the US despite being selected by FIFA for the tournament
Team staffers, federation leaders, media members, and at least one referee and player have dealt with travel issues ahead of the World Cup.
