1. All
2. News
3. Sport
4. Culture
5. Lifestyle

Somali referee denied entry to US ahead of World Cup due to ‘bad actor’ links, White House claims

• A Somali referee, Omar Artan, has been barred from entering the US, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
• Artan was set to make history as the first person from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup.
• Andrew Giuliani, chief of the White House’s World Cup Taskforce, defended the decision, citing alleged connections to “bad actors.”
• Giuliani stated that anyone communicating with individuals who pose a threat to the US would not be granted entry.
• He declined to elaborate further on the specifics of the ban, emphasising the importance of ensuring a safe and secure tournament.