Referee visa clash tests FIFA’s grip on World Cup 2026
TL;DR
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States as World Cup 2026 preparations proceed, spotlighting how U.S. immigration policy could disrupt FIFA’s tournament logistics. FIFA says it does not handle host-country visa decisions, but critics warn the crackdown could affect referees, players, and fans, raising questions about who really runs the event amid a chaotic lead-up.
- Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup? BBC
- Somali Referee Says His World Cup Dream Is Dashed After U.S. Denies Entry The New York Times
- World Cup ref denied entry to the US was about to make history for Somalia The Washington Post
- Somali referee won’t officiate in World Cup after being denied entry into the United States AP News
- U.S. bars entry of FIFA World Cup referee from Somalia, citing "vetting concerns" CBS News
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on BBC