Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a FIFA-appointed referee for the 2026 World Cup, has been turned away at the United States border just days before the tournament kicks off — despite holding a valid US visa and traveling on a diplomatic passport.

Artan has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been based ahead of the competition. The incident was reported by AFP.

Community rallies around Artan

Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, spoke out strongly in Artan's defense.