Somali World Cup referee denied entry to US arrives home to hero’s welcome

Fifa, the game’s governing body, is projecting revenues of $8.9bn (£6.7bn) from this tournament – double what the 2024 Olympics made.

Artan held a valid visa, but US authorities cited an unspecified ‘vetting’ concern and turned him away at the border, sending him back to Turkey, his transit country.

But the way the 2026 World Cup is organized means referees cannot simply operate independently in one host country.

However, upon arriving at Miami International Airport, he was reportedly denied entry by US immigration authorities and was later removed from FIFA’s list of tournament officials.