Omar Artan didn’t just make the #FIFAWorldCup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as #Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what. So sorry to see this, Omar. You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that. This won’t be the end of your story on the world stage. The world stands with you as one family, wishing you resilience now and many more major finals to come. Solidarity. #Somalia
This is Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Once a little boy from Somalia who fell in love with the beautiful game. A boy who dared to dream of something so big that most people thought was impossible. But he kept going. Year after year. Match after match and sacrifice after sacrifice. That dream led him to become the FIRST Somali referee ever selected for a FIFA World Cup. Think about that. Out of millions of people. Out of entire countries.
He earned a place on the biggest stage this sport has to offer. Imagine finally getting there. Imagine calling your family. Imagine knowing that every sacrifice was worth it especially when you questioned it. Imagine not just the pride of your own country but countries celebrating you.
Then imagine being told you can’t be there. Football doesn't care where you're from, what language you speak or what flag is on your passport. It doesn’t care about politics. It cares about sacrifice. It cares about the years nobody saw. The early mornings, missed holidays, time away from your family and the moments you can never get back. It cares about what you’ve earned and a place at a World Cup should be decided by what you've given to the game and not where you were born.
The World Cup is supposed to bring the world together and not remind us of the lines that divide us because football is and always will be, for everyone.
As a World Cup host, the U.S. shouldn't be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs.
It's terribly backward.
It's also counterproductive.
Global sports competitions should improve international exchange and relations, not the reverse.
Last night we caught up with Africa’s top & best Somali referee Omar Artan in Istanbul after his return from US
Despite the recent challenges Omar remains resilient,confident &in high spirits We continue to support him &look forward to his safe return home #WeStandWithOmarArtan
A Somali referee makes history — first ever from his country to officiate a World Cup match.
The US: “Not allowed in.” - So much for “sport brings the world together.” Unless you’re from the “wrong” country.
Shameful. The ‘World Cup’ belongs to everyone — not just those the US approves of.
HURAT-1 KUYUSUNDA TARİHİ MESAİ BAŞLIYOR!
Sabah Gazetesi Ankara Temsilcisi Okan Müderrisoğlu: Türkiye'nin milli imkanlarla uluslararası sularda gerçekleştireceği ilk derin deniz petrol aramasından söz ediyoruz.
Welcome to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Çağrı Bey.
The ship Çağrı Bey has been sighted off the Mogadishu coast today after its long journey. Alhamdulillah. 🇹🇷🇸🇴
I, President of Southwest State H.E. Abdiaziz Laftagareen, resign as Deputy Chairman of the JSP effective today, March 18, 2026. I cannot support unconstitutional actions that weaken our unity. My commitment remains to Somalia’s unity, democracy, and the rule of law.
Erdogan doesn’t go to Davos and sending Fidan to represent him at Board of Peace ceremony because of this incident in 2009 with Israeli President Peres. He vowed not to participate ever.
Known as “One Minute Incident” in Turkish political lexicon