FIFA rejecting Haiti’s jersey’s for being “too political” while allowing Israel to play, & the US to host World Cup (while denying visas, restricting entrance, banning Iranian players from staying in country) is a selective, targeted invocation of their “neutrality” policies.
🏆 Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup!
We're pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
As someone who has worked on national security vetting, the Trump Admin barring Somali referee Omar Artan entry to the US for the World Cup leads to more questions than answers.
Omar was vetted, approved, and issued a visa.
Then he landed in the United States and was suddenly deemed a national security threat.
So which is it?
Either the system failed, or someone changed the rules after the fact.
That's not how serious national security decisions should be made.
The public deserves to know what changed.
Incorrect. He had a visa. From the US Embassy in Nairobi. It was valid. They vetted him there, and gave him a visa.
Then he landed in Miami, was detained for 11 hours, and deported to Istanbul.
THEN they branded him a terrorist.
A FIFA referee, simply because he’s Somali.
ITV News and the BBC referred to Omar Artan as a “Somali refugee” and “Somalia’s top refugee” instead of correctly identifying him as a professional referee.
They’re shamelessly pushing a narrative about a man who was travelling for work
I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, encouragement, and kind messages I have received from people around the world. Your solidarity has reminded me that football unites us beyond borders. Thank you to everyone.