I have right papers and visa - barred referee Artan

Jun 9, 2026, 01:43 PM en source ↗

Summary

Somali referee Omar Artan says he held the 'right papers' and the 'right visa' but was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup. His account adds to scrutiny of how US authorities are handling tournament arrivals.

Preview

Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding the "right papers" and "right visa".

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