@cbsnews: Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the U.S. over the weekend, Customs and Border Protection said in a statement Monday, citing "vetting concerns." It is unclear why Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry, but Somalia is one of 39 countries listed on President Trump's "travel ban" executive order signed last year, CBS News' @camiloreports explains. #news #fifa #worldcup #somalia #travelban

majith 285 :

Heartbreaking. A man who earned his place through years of hard work, professionalism and excellence is denied the chance to make history for his country. Whatever the reasons, it's difficult not to feel for him. Millions of Somalis were looking forward to seeing one of their own on football's biggest stage. Wishing Omar Abdulkadir Artan strength and hoping he gets another opportunity to achieve this dream.

confidence 💪🌟 :

this world cup is boring 😭

𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁.𝓉𝒶𝓰ℯ𝓎♫︎ :

Today, we are not simply speaking about a referee. We are speaking about a man who carried the hopes of a nation and proved that excellence can emerge from any corner of the world. Omar Artan's journey is a reminder that talent, discipline, and determination are stronger than any obstacle placed in their path. As Somalis, we have faced challenges that many could never imagine, yet we continue to rise, compete, and succeed on the world's biggest stages. Omar did not reach the World Cup through luck, privilege, or favors. He earned his place through years of sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether doors are opened or closed, one truth remains unchanged: history has already recorded his achievement. He has inspired countless young Somalis to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that they too can stand among the best in the world. A person's greatness is not measured by the obstacles they face, but by how they rise above them. Omar Artan has already won the respect of millions, and that is a legacy no one can take away. From one proud Somali to another: your success is our pride, your perseverance is our lesson, and your story will continue to inspire generations to come. 🇸🇴 Respect. Pride. Legacy.

Sanunu🫶🏾 :

What kind of World Cup is this, it’s very boring

raniya ilyaas :

Omer Artan has faced discrimination due to his Somali origin. An injustice has been committed against him, and he deserves fair and equal treatment.”

𝗔Y͜͡𝗨O͜͡B :

The world of football belongs to everyone, regardless of nationality, race, or background. Denying Omar Abdulkadir Artan the opportunity to perform his duties at the World Cup after earning his place through years of hard work and dedication is deeply disappointing and unfair. This is not just about one referee; it is about the principles of equality, respect, and fair treatment that football claims to represent. Millions of people around the world are watching and expecting justice. FIFA must take immediate action, stand by its official, and ensure that no one is excluded from the game because of where they come from. Football should unite people, not divide them. Justice for Omar Artan

Biruk🤭 :

Justice for Omar This is World Cup 🌎 🗺 🌏 not Political 💔✊️

Blacky Lampard :

The world cup is boring already

cabdala :

Heartbreaking. A man who earned his place through years of hard work, professionalism and excellence is denied the chance to make history for his country. Whatever the reasons, it's difficult not to feel for him. Millions of Somalis were looking forward to seeing one of their own on football's biggest stage. Wishing Omar Abdulkadir Artan strength and hoping he gets another opportunity to achieve this dream.

Setty Eddy :

I have already lost interest in watching this world cup

QADAR _UK :

l am sorry omar artan

simon gg :

the most boring world cup before even it starts. FIFA has failed.

filsan qurux :

Justice for OMAr 🇸🇴

SAMEYS Design & Construction :

The disrespect shown toward African communities and African referees is unacceptable. What happened in 2025 was not just an isolated incident—it was a humiliation felt across the continent. FIFA's response has not been satisfactory, and millions of African football fans are still waiting for accountability and a clear explanation. Fairness, respect, and equal treatment must apply to everyone, regardless of nationality or origin. African sports fans should unite in condemning this disrespect and demand the dignity and recognition that African officials and communities deserve. Silence is not an option when injustice is allowed to stand.

YsInalegwu :

Is this an America cup or FIFA World Cup???

(∆) ¶\√star :

t7tjh :

phila cole rogers :

this is unfair

Beynax🦁⭐️ :

Omar Artan is a respected referee who deserves fair treatment. We call on FIFA to review the situation and ensure due process is followed. Football should remain focused on fairness, unity, and inclusion.

𝒲𝒾𝒾𝓁 𝒲𝒶𝒶𝓁 :

The World Cup greatly needed him because he was highly skilled in refereeing matches. That is why he was awarded Africa’s Best Referee. He will always remain a confident and outstanding figure at the international level.

Amaya :

To the FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee and FIFA Officials, On behalf of the Somali people, we wish to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the treatment of our fellow citizen, Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a FIFA-recognized referee who was selected to participate in an official FIFA competition. According to the information available to us, Mr. Omar Artan had been authorized to travel and take part in FIFA-related duties connected to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. However, despite traveling through legal and proper channels, he was reportedly denied entry and returned on a Turkish Airlines flight. Such an incident has caused significant concern among football supporters and the wider Somali community. As a respected match official representing both FIFA and Somalia on the international stage, Mr. Omar Artan deserves fairness, dignity, and transparency. We respectfully call upon FIFA and the relevant authorities to urgently review this matter, clarify the circumstances surrounding this decision, and ensure that justice is served. The Somali people stand in solidarity with Mr. Omar Artan and hope that this issue will receive immediate attention. We kindly request that the FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee conduct a prompt review of the matter and provide an official response as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Every man’s dream 😏not a boys :

😡😤It is very sad to hear that Omar Artan might miss the FIFA World Cup because of visa issues. Omar is one of the best football referees in Africa and the world. He has worked extremely hard and demonstrated outstanding professionalism to reach this level. This situation is unfair because he earned his place through talent, dedication, and integrity. He is not only representing Somalia but also inspiring millions of young Africans who hope to see their hard work recognized on the global stage. Football should stand for fairness, merit, and unity. I sincerely hope the authorities can resolve this issue as soon as possible. We are all standing with you, Omar🦁🫡🤴