What an absolute disgrace. A FIFA-certified referee being denied entry to the United States purely because he is Somali.
The World Cup is meant to bring people together. This is racism, plain and simple. Shameful.
https://t.co/rpSgTmmPU4
🔴 Énorme DINGUERIE encore des États-Unis...
L'arbitre somalien Omar Artan 🇸🇴 s'est vu refuser son entrée aux États-Unis, alors qu'il est sensé officier pendant la Coupe du Monde ! 🙄
Malgré l'aide appuyée de l'ambassade somalienne de Nairobi, qui lui a fourni un PASSEPORT DIPLOMATIQUE, M. Artan a dû faire demi tour à son arrivée aux USA.
On parle d'une personne qui a été élue MEILLEUR ARBITRE AFRICAIN EN 2025 ! 🤦♂️
(@Romain_Molina)
🚨🇸🇴 NEW: Somali referee Omar Artan, who was scheduled to referee at this summer’s World Cup, has been denied entry into the US
Artan was elected the best African referee of 2025 at the CAF awards
[@Romain_Molina]
#UPDATE: Omar Artan: A Dream Earned Through Sacrifice, Denied at the Border
The story of Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is about far more than football. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence against overwhelming odds.
From the humble streets of #Mogadishu to the biggest football stages in Africa, Artan built his career through hard work, discipline, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Coming from a country that has endured decades of conflict and hardship, he refused to let circumstances define his future.
Instead, he rose through the ranks to become one of Africa's most respected referees, earning recognition from #FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (#CAF). His outstanding performances on the continent's biggest stages saw him named Africa's Best Referee last year — a remarkable achievement not only for himself, but for #Somalia as a whole.
His journey has become a symbol of hope, proving that talent, determination, and professionalism can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Every step of his success was earned through merit, sacrifice, and dedication, inspiring a new generation of Somali athletes and sports officials.
That is why reports that Artan was denied entry into the United States and sent back after arriving in Miami, despite holding a diplomatic passport, have sparked deep concern and disappointment.
This is not merely a travel issue. It raises serious questions about fairness, equal treatment, and respect for professional achievement. When an internationally recognized referee is prevented from carrying out his duties, the impact extends far beyond one individual.
There is a responsibility on #FIFA, #CAF, the Union of Arab Football Associations, and institutions across the Muslim world to seek clarity and advocate for one of their own. Silence in the face of such treatment risks undermining the values of inclusion, equality, and respect that global sport claims to represent.
Many observers view this incident as an infringement on Omar Artan's personal and professional rights. A referee who has dedicated his life to the game should not face barriers because of the passport he carries or the country from which he comes.
Football is meant to unite people, not create new divisions.
Omar Artan's journey remains a triumph of merit over adversity. His achievements deserve recognition, respect, and protection. Whatever happened at that airport cannot erase what he has already accomplished, but it should serve as a wake-up call for the international sporting community to ensure that talent, professionalism, and human dignity are valued above politics and prejudice.
@FIFAWorldCup@FIFAcom@amnesty@_AfricanUnion@UN@WhiteHouse@TheVillaSomalia@CAF_Online@UNHumanRights@TheIFAB
Jubba Youth Safety Summit 🛡️⚽
Bringing young people together to talk real life, stay safe, and build positive futures.
Workshop + tournament = strong engagement & impact 💙
#JubbaYouth#IslingtonYouth#YouthSafety#CommunityFootball
Level Up: Youth Inspiration & Needs Workshop
📍 COLA, Islington | 📅 4 Jan 2026 | ⏰ 1–4pm
Supporting young men (16–21) with CVs, jobs, football & leadership.
🍽 Refreshments provided
#LevelUp#YouthDevelopment
🗣️ We participated in the **Andover Community Cohesion & Family Fun Day** in collaboration with Islington's Andover Community Centre & Minority Matters!
Our youth shared powerful views on misinformation, trust, and building stronger communities.
💬 Real voices, real change!
\#Andover #Islington #YouthVoices #CommunityCohesion #FamilyFunDay #MinorityMatters
Brilliant day out this May Bank Holiday! 🏆⚽️ We took our youth team to the community football tournaments in Islington — great vibes, positive energy and proud to say we brought the trophy home! 💪🏽🇸🇴 Celebrated with a Somali feast at Blue Ocean in Finsbury Park. Good times!"
#islington
The world should not stand by as babies are starved to death in Gaza.
I have submitted a motion in Parliament for a call to the UN alongside the Security Council to take urgent action to facilitate aid access to Gaza and for member states to assist in ensuring this is possible.
🚀 **Life-changing weekend in Bristol!**
Our residential trip gave 10 young people a chance to **learn, grow & build confidence** through workshops, football, sightseeing & more!
Empowering youth, creating opportunities. 🌟
#YouthEmpowerment#BristolTrip#PositiveChange
Bank Holiday Community Football!
Brilliant day at Market Road Football Pitch, London N7 with 24 young people taking part in a lively community football competition — full of energy, teamwork and good vibes.
With summer here, we’re planning more free youth activities, including an 11-a-side football match soon!
Big thanks to everyone who came down. Football’s more than a game — it’s community.
#CommunityFootball #YouthEmpowerment #Summer2025