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Somali referee Omar Artan returns home to hero's welcome

sportsJun 10, 20269120,781

Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan returned to Mogadishu where crowds and government officials greeted him after U.S. authorities denied him entry ahead of the tournament. Artan said he held the right papers and visa but was held and questioned for more than 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being turned away. Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed the denial, and FIFA faced criticism after the ban. The episode raises questions about U.S. vetting of African officials and could complicate preparations for World Cup officiating teams.

Thomas Seal
@twseal.bsky.social

British Columbia Premier @davidebybc.bsky.social has invited Somali referee Omar Artan to referee in Vancouver, after he was denied entry to the US

852919h ago
Matt (he/him)505

Could have just held the entire thing in Canada and saved everyone this nightmare

lilbourne's ghost202

Every country has the right to limit who comes into the country BUT if you apply for a world cup and one of the requirements is allowing people of all nations to be able to compete in that competition , if you cannot accept those conditions then don't host

patrickhen.bsky.social152

All World Cup referees should withdraw their services until Omar Artan is reinstated!

PA78

At long last FIFA speak up .... ....what 🤷 ... Oh, it's Canada. Canada AGAIN leading in world affairs, Canada taking over from where FIFA don't have the balls. All games should move to Canada & Mexico.

🌊 For a better America 🇺🇸 🏳️‍⚧️✊🏾🏳️‍🌈55

FIFA selected him as an elite referee and what did they do to help him?

LiarSpeaksTheTruth52

This is when Infantino says football isn't political something something bullshit bullshit...

Gwenda31

So glad I live in Canada. 😊

Jackie C. @ Jackiegardens@bsky.social28

Applause for BC Premier and Canada after the US totally failed and created a national embarrassment on the world stage

Nyx Cipher23

If anyone goes to this shitshow, please make a large sign so Omar Artan can know people support him. It was his and his nations dream to do this and the fecking US just destroyed that.. as did those wankers in FIFA who backed trump

Peter Butler19

It sure seems like FIFA could find a way for him to referee in Canada or Mexico And yet

Distressed In The US14

The US is not a safe place for anyone other than wealthy white men. If a wealthy white man is a pervert, he gets bonus points. If he’s a treasonous, grifting, liar with a history of escaping accountability for his countless crimes, well, he’s top tier here in the US. Don’t come here.

@Markbunchofnumbers@bsky.social13

And this is exactly what’s happening with the worldwide economy: the rest of the world is figuring out how to get along without the United States. Smart.

kalaninut.bsky.social12

Just move the entire thing to Canada and Mexico. The US is nothing but a shit show.

Mar 🇨🇦12

We are a welcoming Country and he is welcome in BC where we live. ⚽️

La Jazmine11

We should just throw the whole FIFA World Cup away! They gave Trump a fake peace prize, they're extremely overcharging for tickets, and this. There's too much controversy surrounding these games and it should be boycotted at this point

Jessica Crabbit (she/her)10

As a red-blooded American, I applaud the BC Premier. Thank you, sir.

And I Smiled 😃9

I knew some other country would do the right thing! Well done Canada.

mumknowsbest.bsky.social8

FIFA has removed Omar from their roster. Infantini is a craven cowering greedy little asswipe - a disgrace to soccer. Imagine being so corrupt, people long to have Blatter back - world football is in crisis

vanresia.bsky.social8

Hat tip to Premier Eby.

zelenooq.bsky.social7

But why FIFA allowed that?!? Even Hitler couldn't forbid Jews to be in the Olympics 1936 Fifa is corrupted association Connected with corrupted ppl, trump and putin Probably netanyahu too

epistone.bsky.social7

I'd move every game to Canada and Mexico now, they have more than enough stadiums to cope and I'm sure everyone would get a warm welcome. But guess what? The head of international football has no balls!

Joseph S. Harrington6

Appallingly embarrassing for the United States.

Kirsten something or rather6

Classy. Thinking Americans would support all other refs boycotting the US until we stop being so racist and unconstitutional that way.

Regina Schrambling 6

For decent Americans, this era is even more embarrassing than the Bushwhacking.

MarySez6

Such a travesty. Omar Artan, it's not much, but please accept a heartfelt apology from this American

bobruth12.bsky.social6

Pretty sure he'll like being in BC bttr than being in this mish-mash of conflict, hate, and prejudice. Good on you, Mr Eby

Hoping for The Best5

Good for Canada. I was waiting for this. Elbows up.

There is no Dana only Zuul 🇨🇦5

And that’s how it’s done. 🇨🇦

Billy Reuben5

I’m proud and humbled to be Canadian.

Val Reishuk5

The U. S. government has become so intolerant of diversity. It depresses me. Then I remember: 309 miles north of my apartment, there is Canada 🇨🇦. You inspire me to keep going. Love you, northern ⚽️ fans.

scg10.bsky.social5

CLEARLY no one knows what it takes to become a ref, and to move up and up and up and up and waaaaay up to ref in the world cup!! 🤬⚽️

Korina5

Allowing a country whose racist prick president is illegally keeping non-white immigrants and US citizens caged like animals to host an international sporting event is ludicrous.

plod1.bsky.social5

you can always rely on the Canadians!! well done 👏 hope he takes him up on it

Ayerishgrl4

Do you think we will ever get over the shame this administration has brought down on this country? Asking for an embarrassed nation

Secondsoprano 🏳️‍🌈4

All the referees should refuse to work at matches in USA, in solidarity.

Silvaroma86-64

If I were a foreigner, I would not want to visit, work, or spend money in the United States right now.

AgnesBrowne4

Canada always comes through. ❤️

The DILETTANTE4

Canada always and forever better than America

Wirral4

If it were credible, FIFA would halt the entire competition until its approved staff are given visas and guaranteed safe travel. This is NOT America’s World Cup.

Jane Barnes 🇨🇦🐩👠🍀4

There ye go. Canada is very welcoming if I do say so myself!!

🔯🏳️‍🌈Stay Woke - Tikkun Olam4

KKK Republicans have returned the US to the 1950s Jim Crow era. Those bigoted losers are vile. #BoycottUSA

Britta Nolte✌️♥️🇨🇦📎4

I was hoping that would happen! 👏🇨🇦🤝

Eric Richards4

We warned everyone it was not safe to come to the US. But they still insisted it be held here. Not a smart move by FIFA.

gdawg333.bsky.social4

This makes me proud to be a British Columbian. Thank you Premier Eby.

awolfesister.bsky.social4

I am a U. S. citizen. I am ashamed. Thank you British Columbia.

Jake3

Markwayne is an asshole! He did that!

Chip Pitfield3

Let’s get the Iranian team here as well.

Wren3

As anAmerican who loves her country and Constitution, I find what the current government administration did to Mr. Artan appalling and deeply embarrassing. I'm so sorry. I hope he'll referree in Vancouver--and in every other free country in the world. How shameful that my own is free no longer.

damselfly63.bsky.social3

This made me cry so much. Thank god. This is wonderful.

magsluvs.bsky.social3

Thank you Premier Eby!!! ❤️

jamalmuse17.bsky.social3

Spent 11 hours at and at an airport and being denied an opportunity of a lifetime to be part of a World Cup just shows how backwards FIFA become caving in

Elizabeth Bisbee3

This is utterly mortifying. He debases and degrades us all with his gutter racism. I want to move. It feels hopeless to live each day in a country without values.

Rosecrucian Roeth3

He is welcome in Canada and Mexico.

Peace3

This is how evil and f’d up USA is!! Congrats and thank Canada! Make sure it’s an AMERICAN referee who loses his spot doing this swap! FIFA is the most corrupt organization now being challenged by Bettman’s NHL but too bad players can’t boycott to get proof of denial or move to Canada!

Yon3

Damn Canada ...wish you were warmer...

Joseph3

trump wouldn't let this man in because - guess what - he's from what trump refers to as a shithole country. Not only should he go to Vancouver to officiate a game, the game he was slated to officiate in the U.S. should be moved to Vancouver as well.

nsarj.bsky.social3

Classy. Well done Premier Eby.

Kim Cooke3

well done, Canada ~ on the is one. however, same Canada that denied entry to members of the Palestine Football Association ahead of the FIFA Congress this spring.

mimindogo.bsky.social3

Why are all the other referees not boycotting the tournament when a fellow is banned on racial grounds. They would if he was not from Africa. Disgusting and sad that the football participants in the World Cup are not standing up for him.

bellhui1b.bsky.social3

Mexico Says Come Referee Here, Omar! So, What is the Spirit of World Cup Again? "For the Game. For the World" unite the world through inspiring events, and build a better future What is Trumps Mission for World Cup? White Privilege and Profit! "Discrimination through uninspiring Events!" Apartheid

Paul3

Beyond ridiculous this WC !

🇨🇦 🇺🇦 🇪🇺🇩🇪🇦🇫3

Trump regime is so f#%cked up.

Cj it is so nice here 📎3

Making us proud Premier Eby! Thank you from this 5th Generation BCer! Respect!❤️

samlovesdogs.bsky.social3

What a class act; we just suck!

Maj Hem2

I understand the problem is that referee pre-games training is in Miami, and he’s not allowed into Miami. He has to go to the training before he can referee. Otherwise he can ref anywhere. Fuck Trump.

calgaryrds.bsky.social2

Amerikkka's new name ought to be: Bigots R Us

Flaming pile of Blanches malfeasance2

He'd have gobs of support here. Mr. Artan is most welcome!

qxva2

the world cup so far sounds like a disaster and has been ever since they said it would be in the US. Just have it somewhere else come on

Karen Smit2

Sad we have the worst president ever!

Silvaroma86-62

I am deeply sorry that this authoritarian, small-minded, irresponsible, vindictive, cruel, sadistic, racist regime excluded Mr. Artan. Cheers for Premier Eby! May Mr. Artan have a warm welcome and the best experience in his life in Vancouver.

Julie Bee🐝🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸2

This is a shameful look for the USA, Why are any teams wanting to be here? It’s depressing when you take 7 hours away from news, internet or social media to then get on looking for good news, and realize its been an hourly crap show of chaos, cruelty , corruption and incompetence since 1/20/2025.

phyllishistorian.bsky.social2

Thank you for your decency, sportsmanship and recognition of world class talent no matter what color jersey he wears! ⚽ Canadian flag here 🙂

Mr. Rochester 📎🇨🇦2

That’s how we do it, y’all. Mr. Artan doesn’t need the USA. 🇨🇦🇸🇴

blueandy2525.bsky.social2

One day away from the plastic World Cup and there is not a drop of joy to be gleaned from it. Previously in the street where I live, half a dozen houses would have England flags flying outside. Right now, not ONE. Is that because people don't want to be associated with the Deform flag shaggers?

H Kenney2

I am so sorry for the shittery you have encountered with the U.S.A., Mr. Artan. I apologize profusely on behalf of the many, many decent people in our country who are completely horrified and mortified.

John Finagin2

Proud of Canada in these dark times! 👏👏👏

Furious George 🇺🇦 🇨🇦🇺🇸2

My home and native land!!!

Pissed Off Canadian2

This is the right thing to do. Well done.

Susan Harman2

Bravo. Now just get FIFA on board.

defeline.bsky.social2

As it should be. ❤️

realitycheck01.bsky.social2

Americas decisions are not those of the rest of the world …

Ryan2

The training was in Miami unfortunately

mmkeefe.bsky.social2

That’s great ⚽️thank you neighbors to the north 🙏

K.Rene’ Helms2

Thank you, Canada! 🇨🇦 that’s a tribute to the true meaning of the World Cup. 🙏

Mel Ryane2

Thank you, Canada, yet again for decency. 🇨🇦

Kittykatval 🇨🇦🍁 💙🦋📎2

Will he accept the invitation? 🤞✌️

#LestWeForget2

Fuck FIFA if they don’t allow this… they are responsible for this shit show along with Trump, freaking peace prize.

cjmachen.bsky.social2

This was the obvious move, no?

habsfan1954.bsky.social2

Whatever else I may or may not agree with him on - good idea Premier Eby! @davidebybc.bsky.social

carlglo.bsky.social2

Jesus…trumps destroyed America…America is now below Venezuela!!!!

Shelley Stamp2

That’s how you do it! #OhCanada

mmothnadine.bsky.social2

BRAVO + Thank You 🙏 Canada 🇨🇦 For Stepping Up When America 🇺🇸 Falls…. On her face and acts like drunk white trash.

shuilian.bsky.social2

Good. Mr. Artan is welcome in BC. But it would have been better had FIFA expended .01% of the effort spent fluffing the American regime on protecting referees & protecting the integrity of the sport. Maybe the Nobel Committee should run footie, & allow FIFA to focus on inventing political prizes?

bluetsu.bsky.social2

🇨🇦Thank you Canada... this is just heartbreaking for Omar Artan and embarrassing for sane Americans... 🇺🇸We're currently experiencing technical difficulties, which we're diligently working to correct...

kiskaz.bsky.social2

That’s flipping one classy bird.

Spencer’s Butte’s Shadow2

He can stay at my house. It's not much but we have an excellent futon.

doxiemeadow.bsky.social2

Great To Hear OMAR ARTAN Will Be Able To Referee‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ U.S. Citizen Here…FUCK TRUMP‼️

Grandma Moses2

Maybe it’s for the best. If he doesn’t come here, ICE can’t deport him after hiding him in a detention center aka concentration camp.

DTown Pirate2

Disgusting though not surprising. I am stunned that teams haven’t wholesale pulled out of this WC. Clearly fans aren’t traveling here to watch. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that FIFA leaders and Trump are chummy…both are horribly corrupt.

Marie 🇨🇦 🐸
@pawbaby2.bsky.social

The US is hosting the World Cup and just turned away Africa’s top referee at the airport 3 days before kickoff because of where he was born. Omar Artan had a valid visa. He had a historic assignment. They didn’t care. Disgraceful. #USDemocracy #Pinks newrepublic.com/post/211508/...

4970Yesterday
Joanne Belknap190

And FIFA didn’t see this coming? Ass kissers gave tRump a fucking peace prize. FAFO, FIFA fuckers!

concerned2.bsky.social65

BOYCOTT world cup in USA

P.E. Griffiths🍁43

Outright racism, loud and proud and totally predictable. Only idiots and fools couldn’t foresee what is happening.

Friskiedgrrl 🏳️‍🌈 💙🍁 🌊🇨🇦 🇺🇦33

He should be assigned to the games in Canada. Our border guards are not as stupid as the Excited States of Hysteria.

Eric Richards28

This country is a shithole.

BillyDee 🇨🇦 (CA)23

Do not watch any games in the US. What a shithole thing to do.

Terry19

Yet another reason, if any were needed, to indicate that FIFA should move all matches outside of the USA!

Robin 🇨🇦19

FIFA pandered to Trump with a made up Peace Prize so I don’t feel sorry for them . It’s unfortunate this man will be deprived of participating and I feel sorry for him but to say this is surprising , not really .

normanh1.bsky.social13

We've already decided to only watch/ record games in Mexico and Canada. Canada and Mexico would let him in, if we're not too subservient to the Orange One yet.

Irritable Yet Soporific13

At least they didn't put him in some rathole like Delaney Hell. Also, boycott the US.

democracy4u.bsky.social13

MOST AMERICANS ARE ASHAMED of the RANCID PEOPLE IN CHARGE RIGHT NOW

Dr Eric Farmer12

This is going to be quite a shitshow. There's no-one in Trump's government with an ounce of common sense or common decency. The racism is relentless.

greg6010

F&ck The World Games ‼️‼️‼️‼️💯. It Shouldn’t Have Been Held Here, ANYWAY ‼️‼️‼️. It’s against the rules for “host “ countries to bar participants !!! 🤬🤬🤬

saskatquach.bsky.social10

FIFA knew. they are part of this. They knew what would happen

Paislie Giraffe Arts10

I don't understand how this regime thinks it's possible to hold international events within our borders without allowing anyone from other countries access.

Jeaperz Cripes10

Take note, FIFA. Are these the headlines you were hoping for? It will not be the last of this type.

Laura Frost9

What a disgrace this administration is.

barbadine.bsky.social9

This man worked hard to referee at the highest level of the game, and I am sure he had setbacks then only to have these prejudice, discriminatory, shallow ppl do this to him is unjust and reprehensible.

Maryland Blue Girl 💙 I have words and know how to use them8

Fascist, racist USA in action. God damn them.

Forfactsakes8

This won't be the last story like this connected to the World Cup. We will soon find out which teams had personnel turned back or detained and innocent fans will be scooped up by over eager I.C.E. goons. Wave goodbye to the rest of your tourist business.

💧Sandy7

What else can you expect from a country where the only requirement for ICE employment is that you be a racist sycophant?

Gayle Bellomy7

As if we were not despised enough before….

Wayne7

Why would anyone watch. Or play. Boycott this shithole country until the disease is gone.

Stickman7

Trump is certified White Supremacist

SusanC7

Just one more reason to boycott the fuck out of any World Cup event held on US soil.

dr34dfully.bsky.social6

Boycott these games! Make FIFA regret their decision to host any game in the USA! My country is turning into a shithole because a bunch of uneducated morons voted for an orange cocksplat who won't tell the truth if there's a lie available.

🦋Fiona McGee🦋🚫👑6

Yep Land of the Free

🦋DonnaNextDoor💙💛❤️‍🩹6

Shame on the people who still support it being played here, shame on those sending players here, and shame on anyone going to watch it.

Ka Luahine6

This could also be used to rig games. Donʻt allow top players from certain teams to come. Then the polymarkets get involved. It all sounds suspicious.

Pesky PB5

Racists - if FIFA had a backbone they sanction America and ban their team from competing, but they are as complicit as the US government. Boycott the World Cup- don’t go, don’t watch, boycott the sponsors.

ChristineAa5

He's the wrong color. "Mission South Africa," was launched by the Trump administration to grant refugee status to WHITE South Africans, primarily Afrikaners.

Linda UWSⓥ5

This entire event is disgrace after disgrace. No one should come to the US. It’s just not safe.

H R Pickens5

Gonna be a long summer of this shit. And it must be frustrating for FIFA. They're greedy and deeply corrupt, so they'll recognize DT as their kind of people. They might expect to get on like a house on fire, but he's going to embarrass them at every opportunity.

ghostlyshaman.bsky.social4

why would anyone want to come here...

MartWest4

This calls for a boycott, by Fifa or else any participating country.

Cynthia Lou4

We knew Trump would fuck with it! They should’ve moved it.

misanthropocene4

We can't keep accepting referees into this country! Wait what do you mean referees are different than refugees, you mean to tell me these are two different things?

Cotardis.bsky.social4

FIFA should’ve listened to the Americans telling them to pull the World Cup from us.

Gypsy Woman4

Why are countries participating? Just pull the plug.

Hal4

47’s Gestapo in Action; what more evidence do you need?

Cardinal4

I profoundly hope the stadiums will be empty.

ResistaSista764

This regime is absolute shit. #GOPBIGOTS

buddhaofnazareth.bsky.social4

The MAGA regime has made a shit-hole country out of the USA

Grumpy Grandpa3

Excuse me….He’s not SOUTH African

@nwsoftwareguy.bsky.social3

I cannot wait to see how Senegal and Ghana are treated. They will have to have signs: "We are professional athletes to compete in the World Cup" on them at all times.

Laura3

Historic embarrassment. Shameful. I’m outraged.

bodacious953

And many more will be banned and or arrested once they enter the states.. Don't you know this is a white rich man's party only!! Oh, when that goes for the next game also, believe it or not, that's why both teams should refuse to play while he is there!!! Postpone the m*********** for another week

Tony D3

Every single person connected to this event should go home and boycott the BS

Pat Blair3

Where is Fifa in all of this? Nowhere to be seen or heard. And all that sycophancy in giving Trump a worthless "Fifa peace prize".

Barbara Mack3

Trumps administration is full of petty bitch racist.

Fred 🇦🇺3

What a shithole country the USA has become.

Dawn3

I TOLD you to boycott! You didn’t listen.

Rohit Sharma3

The world Cup should never be in America. America doesn't believe in freedoms and rights that they always preach about.

Liv Bliss3

Nothing to do with him being Somalian, right? After all, "they're all crooks" and "low IQ" (something of a contradiction in terms right there) from "a disgusting country" as the Dear Leader opined not so long ago.

Martin Castellan FRGS3

I look forward to matches being transferred to Canada or Mexico

dgk66.bsky.social3

All teams should walk away

Vote For Women3

Find a private plane. Go get him and land where he needs to be. Fuck Trump!

Just another night3

Move the games out of America

🌊3

They should have moved it to another country, after Trump was elected. Maybe the Summer Olympics, too, if he's still in office by then.

mwplunkett.bsky.social3

The World Cup ain’t ever coming back to the land of the idiots

Charis Nordholm3

FIFA should have moved this mess. I hope that the bribes were worth it to them.

Just Army (Fuck ICE) Rob3

I’m hoping teams just starting quitting the tournament due to USA ignorance.

mafkr.bsky.social3

Gasp! Never saw that happening! Said no one

Lawyerlen3

I’m totally turned off by this years event.

Jeri Westerson3

#BoycottTheWorldCup If you don't, you're an idiot.

tink51.bsky.social3

And this surprises no one.

Kathryn Edwards2

I am so beyond fed up with this admin. If trump was in front if me right now i believe i would be able to strangle him with my bare hands.

EuropeanZoe2

I watched an interview with this guy yesterday. He was saying how proud he was to be going to the world Cup. The American government are a bunch of c**ts. Shame on them. #BoycottTheWorldCup

TingerMaster2

World Cup should boycott USA

@janettes-999.bsky.social2

This is disgraceful. Africa’s top referee Omar Artan should have been allowed to enter this country to do his job at the World Cup.

Patina2

When did these fascist traitors say it was illegal to allow people in to visit the US? JFC they've let putin, Orban + nyet-n-yahoo in and the evil monstrous tate brothers, for starters. Treasolini actually brought people from Africa here to "live"

TasteMyRainbow2

Everyone in the entire world should stop flying anywhere near a red state. Period.

alwayswailing.bsky.social2

jellyfish regime are idiots. U may have stopped one person of color, but did u stop to think of how many races play in the WORLD CUP? U can't ban them all!

Graeme2

How many times do we say it? America in now the clown show that world citizens routinely laugh at. This is a travesty for the balanced and fair minded people of the USA. Those who are not Trump fascists. However, only the good people of the USA can change it 🤷‍♂️

Bigtone2

Why are they coming? Don't they watch the fucking news? Jesus fucking christ.

Pam2

I don't understand why anyone comes here let alone a big competition like worlds cup thst brings prestige and money.

this is Al2

I know I won't be watching any of the cup.

pceebee232

the USA administration is an anathema .. a vile cesspit of raw racism .. and worse, they are proud of it!

くまのプーさん • 🦋 •📎•🗽2

This is what happens when a fascist organization hosts a tournament in a country to curry favor with a fascist President with entry being monitored by fascists...

john5789.bsky.social2

The World Cup needs to be moved to another Country! Due to Trump.

Rod2

Part of the tragedy is that anyone with a functioning brain should have seen this kind of crap coming. And it only gets worse from here. Great job, DHS!

pillsbury2

did FIFA conspire with tRumb to rig the world cup?

Duracel Blue2

Every country should recall their people from attending the World Cup. Do not concede your integrity to a racist/Pedo wannabe dictator. #Al #Boycott

🇨🇦 CATNAP 😼2

Build it and ignorance will make sure no one comes. For lots, soccer is second to the possibility of profit.

European🇪🇺Antifascist2

it's a punch in the gut for all 1.5 billion african and hundreds of millions of expats. This is straight up just the Peter Griffin meme and accepted as a nation.

thurgoodslegacy.bsky.social2

I am endlessly embarrassed by this country’s racist regime.

Sebastian Black2

Maybe they will give the job to a genocidal maniac from Israel with a live ICC arrest warrant for war crimes. He seems to get thorough border control ok

Sons of Coachella2

... Fuck FIFA for allowing such shit.

catlady49ers.bsky.social2

Trump is out of his F’ing mind.

Jonny B Goode2

No sympathy. These idiots knew what they were signing up for.

Christy 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇦2

As usual trump ruins everything!

Lee Rowan 🐕 🐈‍⬛ 🌳 🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🇨🇦 🐉 🇺🇦🦇🪶🖋️ 🇺🇸2

The games should have been moved to a country that was not entangled in fascist racism.

Patrick Vaanhold2

There is a list of incidents when it comes to people not being allowed to enter, evne though Infantino last week claimed it would be the most inclusive Wordl Cup ever. It is the least! And it is match fixing too in a way. bsky.app/profile/vaan...

Cat2

What’s next with trump? Is he going to restrain the players from returning home, until a ransom is received? Why would anyone want to come to America any more? Move the Olympics now! America has become a hostile nation.

John in Alpena2

And, FIFA’s response is to immediately drop him. Sad but expected.

Roman2

Not a good year to host the World Cup.

Princess Poker2

Unless you've been living under a rock, is this another "I'm the exception to tRump's diabolic, ignorant rath"?

sue19721954.bsky.social2

Sociopaths Nazi terrorists America is lost

pennadem.bsky.social2

Every soccer player should stay home. The Felon-in-Chief has shamed it

Andreas Keller2

If the FIFA were a decent organization, they would cancel the World Cup.

Don't panic Jonesey2

Ray Charles saw that coming.

Bill Mauldin2

If he were a white South African they would’ve rolled out the red carpet…

running4321.bsky.social2

Why is FIFA allowing this BS? Oh! Most corrupt organization in history

margeebonaccorso.bsky.social2

Too bad he isn't a white South African. He would have been welcomed with open arms.

Best Friends2

I’m so sorry to hear this.

RLS Malone2

And we just sit around and do nothing about it... How are Americans not ashamed enough to do something about that orange piece of s*** and that Nazi regime.

Wisechick 🇨🇦2

The Unsafe States of America is also the Unwelcoming States of America.....so fucking racist.

AFP News Agency
@en.afp.com

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday u.afp.com/SDH9

1744Yesterday
Nick Abbe329

I say boycott this sh**

Mark Zohar183

The United States under the Trump administration is a global embarrassment. Boycott these racists.

uosdwis r dewoh157

I really want to know if FIFA is going to stand up for the sport. This should not be hard for FIFA to push for something like this and for someone like Infantino to intervene. Either the “say no to racism” means something or it doesn’t (answer: sadly, it probably doesn’t)

Darwin Woodka85

Good luck holding a World Cup in a country that hates the World.

Billy Juggernaut Antifa64

If only we could have seen this coming.

Jake50

And FIFA, what the fuck you got to say?

Fiona Phelan47

FIFA should select him as the referee for the final and tell Trump that the final will be moved to Mexico or Canada if he isn't allowed entry to the US.

sorysbobczak.bsky.social38

Qatar and russia WC were disgraces, but this is another level.

The Dictator Has No Clothes27

God we suck as a country. So embarrassing. 😒

Chris Gallon26

The USA signed up to host the world cup. It has no right to deny entry to officials or players. FIFA should not stand for this.

Brexit Bin 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 🇩🇪24

This is so racist! It's the FIFA World KKKup 😡

So'Westerner gone AWOL19

Mr Artan, I'm so sorry! One selfish tyrant shouldn't block you from refereeing the World Cup. You were hired to do it,, because you're the best! More than half of America hates to see this.

DBerl090916

Somalia is one of tRump’s “shithole” countries so… no entry. Also Iraq national football team's star striker Aymen Hussein was detained & questioned for 7 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at O'Hare.

Bloke In Belfast16

Ahh the racist Trump administration having it's fun.

Walter Muller14

Why host a World Cup when no one can come? what an embarrassment

Sharon14

US citizens have been warning you guys don't come here at this time for your own good

Andy Flan13

Every competing country should be refusing to play until he’s allowed in. And probably not even then.

Macduff312

Why is it here?! The footballing world should be ashamed of its embrace of authoritarianism and its support of fascist sportwashing.

Lost Sierra Jim12

This country has become a pathetic shithole

Custardsteeth12

This is the world's game. The US is just a host. Who the fuck do they think they are? Ruining the biggest sporting spectacle there is. Ridiculous pricing, banning fans, refusing entry to referee's, not allowing a team to stay in the country!! Where the fuck are FIFA.

Cocothecat11

You can thank Trump's and Stephen Miller's racism for this.

FreeSpirit 📢 (DMs aka Block)🚫10

Sports is a language with no borders nor barriers. A language everyone understands. A sound everyone embraces. It just became political and the US hostility is unprecedented. They need to cancel this and bar the US from hosting anything for the next 10 years. 👿💩🤬🙄

Mike Prince9

All teams should refuse to play until he is admitted. It's simple really.

Eileen9

Olympic committee needs to pull the Olympics from the US.

Dave9

What did the US think he would do, what is the threat vector? That he would somehow not return home and build an underground dungeon of weapons and take over the country? Fucking idiots.

K Jumbe8

FIFA should have moved the games to Canada and Mexico when it had the chance. Is this really worth it?

Holli Winters8

The Trump administration has made the World Cup a fucking disaster and embarrassment for the USA. 🤬

Jim Marciniak7

USA citizen here: man, do we suck. The stench of this time in this country will never wash off.

Undinium ​​👽​🛸🖖🇬🇱🇺🇦6

Yeah, fuck you FIFA! 🖕

spotted-coach7.bsky.social6

Here we go. Trump ruins the World Cup

jjintc.bsky.social6

FIFA needs to cancel ALL matches in the US unless the US stops denying entry to fans and participants

mijn-handle.bsky.social6

FIFA peace prize - reality check: 0-1

San Francisco Lover5

Get set to see a lot of this bulls$it all through FEMA to add to USA shame...😢

James Meguerian5

Such an embarrassing country at the moment

Ralf W5

Why are any national teams coming to this sh*tshow? I know soccer is hugely important to fans (and business). All the more reason to stand for something, not falling for Trump's bullcrap.

Lewis Edwards4

I hope this dumpster fire of a World Cup takes down FIFA with it.

Explorer Rowan4

Honestly, the Olympic committee should look at dropping Los Angeles 2028 and banning the US. They've banned countries from Olympics for a lot less.

ri-ndex.bsky.social4

Call it off. The US government is too racist to host an international event.

LA4

May he be sent to Canada or Mexico then. He’s earned his spot

Irritated Llama4

It's very clear they've abandoned the facade of "You are welcome if you come here legally" Racism is ingrained in current US gov policy.

The chicken lady4

That FIFA Prize really paid off for FIFA, eh? Mobsters

Keith Fagandini4

This is shocking and shameful. The US should not even be considered b as a World Cup venue until they become a civilised country.

Sir Richie of the bunnies3

Is there a reason? I mean apart from racism. Have they tried to pretend theres something genuine?

Phasmatic3

if you were an immigration officer you could throw matches so easily and clean up on the betting sites.

mrbluesky583

I am so embarrassed and horrified.

Stef The Grim (not angry enough yet3

It's a racist regime, so of course. #Boycott #Outrage

donworth.bsky.social3

What an embarrassment we have become.

Nutsine 💚 🥖🫓🥨🥯🧡3

#TheDonald got the peace prize for that, no?

askr99.bsky.social3

Imagine hosting a more authoritarian World Cup than Russia or Qatar…

Mark Nixon3

Anyone reckon that #Infantino is embarrassed? No, me neither. #corruptFIFA

German Travel Birdie3

If these things happen people should start boycott the World Cup. But they won’t.

FTZim2

This is the time for the sports fraternity to show unity against this act of blatant racism! If it's true that sports trumps all forms of hate, this the time for all well intentioned sportsmen and women to stand up and show some backbone against this racist act. African teams can boycott the games

Andrew Carlson2

When you’re bigger pieces of shit than FIFA

Jake2

Not that they should have to, it’s unfair and we all know why, but would be a great opportunity for the rest of the officiating delegation to show a little bit of solidarity here.

MissGrundy2

Why are you surprised? The current administration believes that only whites have the right to do anything in this country, even foreign-born whites. Did you really expect the current administration to respect POC World Cup soccer judges, coaches or players????

Cholmondley Warner 🇪🇺🔶2

I’m sure Infantino will be right along to say this is anti fifa ethics and the USA also needs to comply with terms of the contract for hosting the competition - that all player and fifa nominees must be granted entry to perform their duties etc…

franapollo.bsky.social2

International embarrassment! Boycott! FIFA was stupid to believe the USA was going to be a normal host country. Nothing here is normal.

Tony O'Donnell2

Outrageous and disgraceful! We live in a country whose OFFICIAL policy is now blatant racism and xenophobia. I hope the U.S.A. team gets destroyed in the World Cup.

NonViolet2

The State Department issued him a visa but Customs refused to accept it? All the little tyrants in customs and immigration have gotten used to making up their own rules.

Michael Guravich2

And if FIFA had any integrity, they’d step up and tell the US, “no ref, no games”

Amado2

I am FURIOUS at the way the US is treating our guests for this event. This is a national shame and while the GOP may have no capacity for shame, I feel it acutely.

Nathaniel/Natanahira (he/him)2

So stupid! Land of the free my ass

surlybadger61.bsky.social2

As if there was any more proof was needed America under the GOP has become the bad guys.

like-eike2

People don’t need to boycott the games ,teams and officials need to.

Raider
@iwillnotbesilenced.bsky.social

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee Omar Artan, elected best African referee for 2025, was denied entry to U.S. territory despite holding a diplomatic passport.

Photo of Somali referee Omar Artan
686Yesterday
Diana Demarest50

FIFA should just pull out of the U.S. They also denied Iran's team support staff.

WildlifeGardener41

All of the other officials need to get a spine & quit. Try having a World Cup without them. So ashamed of the United States.

Damian Lynch 🟧 🇦🇺 Rebellion is Mandatory during times of Tyranny31

I hope it’s a financial disaster for FIFA

Doremus J17

I’m not watching a single match. Not one.

P.E. Griffiths🍁17

Rabid racism loud and proud and openly on display for the entire world to see. Not unexpected by anyone paying attention to the corrupt fasciast regime.

geojl.bsky.social13

Imagine how this poor man must feel. Treated like it is the apartheid or segregation years, I can’t bear it. #WorldCupReferees please refuse to officiate the matches. This cannot just be shrugged off. It is appalling. Boycott the World Cup.

cyanine9

did these dumbfucks ever think about it being called "THE WORLD" Cup?. jfc this is beyond embarassing!

skipf26.bsky.social9

They’re not even trying to hide the racism.

Jolly Confused8

This is outrageous. What is FIFA, and Infantino in particular, going to do about this?

Huh…8

We have become an evil nation. I am so ashamed.

Doug8

Par for the course in America. In future tRump and the tRump crime family should be denied entry into any friking country.

L F Glatz7

And it is never just racism, right? What a disgrace.

Mother Nature Strikes Back!7

This makes me physically ill. In your face racism from my own country!

kevezc.bsky.social6

This country is so fucked up. God, so embarrassed….

theoctoberist.bsky.social5

People from Omar’s country were referred to as “garbage” by the man in the Oval Office. So this one sadly fits the message. I find it more repulsive that there will be no reaction from the organisation that governs the sport & who constantly say politics should be kept out of sport.

sun-dayz.bsky.social4

The other day it was the Swiss forward Breel Embolo; then the Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein detained for 7 hours for questioning; Iran's technical bench & officials visa denial; Ivory Coast and Tunisia journalists are having multiple entry visa issues. Just throw this circus away at this point

Steven Green4

Speaking as an ex-"soccer" referee, no FIFA referee should officiate until he is reinstated

Tony O'Donnell3

Outrageous and disgraceful! We live in a country whose OFFICIAL policy is now blatant racism and xenophobia. I hope the U.S.A. team gets destroyed in the World Cup.

ricardowensley.bsky.social3

The US proves again they elected racist shit to govern them. I hope they are ashamed but know they don’t care

Not a friend of Tim Houston 🇨🇦3

Only the best referee unless he’s black.

Visible Cricket 🇨🇦🇮🇪🎒🛶3

So he gets invited to Vancouver. Upgrade for Mr. Artan! bsky.app/profile/twse...

Gary Knowles2

They are just brainless idiots.

miinky1101.bsky.social2

I hate it here and I’m so ashamed and embarrassed of being American.

Spookman2

The U.S. should not host international sports events. … and FIFA remains silent.

Fair Robina2

We hate to say we told you s.... No, no we don't. We told you and you had to touch the stove anyway.

Banjo K2

US is the "shithole country"". We have a lot of work to do once we get rid of Trump.

Austin Kocher, PhD
@austinkocher.com

🚨 Here we go -> Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan denied entry to the US. This referee, who was due to be first official from his country to be involved in a World Cup game, had a diplomatic passport but was turned away in Miami. www.thetimes.com/article/f565...

436Yesterday
Joseph Britt82

I knew this would happen. It won’t be the last such incident.

Cris 🇨🇦64

The worst part is they let you get on a freaking plane and travel for hours and hours vs having the decency to let you know before you board? Such bullshit.

Andy61

Meanwhile FIFA continues to bow to Trump 😒

danielmeade47

To be American now Is to be embarrassed

Insert_new_name_here38

If FIFA weren't so corrupt they would've pulled the plug months ago and either moved the World Cup to Europe or worked with Canada and Mexico to add a few more venues in each country and cut us out entirely. Not ideal, but definitely would've been possible (see: Women's World Cup 2007).

🔵Vincefil28

White South African referees are being aggressively recruited to replace him.

Stephens14

Effing outrageous. I hope he can switch with a referee in a different country so he can make history.

maryaskew.bsky.social13

Is it absolutely necessary for the Trump administrstion to embarrass normal Americans at every opportunity?

RascalAlice 🇺🇦12

Shame on FIFA but my understanding is that it's as crooked as our administration.

themedici.bsky.social10

"The Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first official from his country to officiate at the World Cup, was turned back in Miami after flying in from Turkey, according to Somalian government officials." Obviously someone at CBP thought he was a "Somali refugee" and acted accordingly.

Observation Group X7

What if fans, officials, or players are harmed by this white‑supremacy insurrection? It is insane to run a FIFA event in a country in low‑intensity civil war — FIFA will share liability if anything goes wrong, and it already has. Stop the event until safety and legal obligations are secured.

GUWonder7

If FIFA execs had any self-respect — the self-dealers don’t — they would make a big stink about this and perhaps even move more of the matches to Canada or Mexico so he could referee as intended originally.

Walter Wrona6

God, this is so embarrasing. Worst part is, as others have said, they could have easily let him know BEFORE he got on the plane and flew 20 something hours to get here.

Jim White6

The world is coming to understand that the US can’t be trusted to act like serious, relatively responsible country. It will take years of effort, which may well not succeed, to try to return this country to respectability.

Lake. Big Lake.4

Of course FIFA are doing nothing. Disgusting.

alice at last3

#boycottUSA #boycottFIFA #boycottWorldCup USians have no idea how devastating the last 18 months have been for their image.

Call Me Garbage Again3

This will all become sports manipulation for betting

くまのプーさん • 🦋 •📎•🗽2

This is what happens when a fascist organization hosts a tournament in a country to curry favor with a fascist President with entry being monitored by fascists...

Rose2

As a co-hosting country, this embarrasses me. I hope Canada speaks up about this. And FIFA? Where are you on this? Not acceptable to stay silent.

Olga Nesterova
@onestpress.onestnetwork.com

Welcome to FIFA WC! Omar Abdulkadir Artan was set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup match. Instead, United States has barred him from entering the country to officiate a 2026 World Cup match upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday.

18118h ago
3 sources