@theipaper: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has begun his journey home after being denied entry to the United States, ending his hopes of officiating at the 2026 World Cup. Artan arrived at Istanbul Airport en route to Mogadishu, thanking FIFA, African football officials and the Somali people. US authorities have not publicly explained why he was refused entry, saying only that travellers can be denied access if they are deemed ineligible or a security risk. #WorldCup #FIFA #Referee #Somalia

makaveli@ :

FIFA betrayed you brother, I'm disappointed in FIFA

motheryu :

Not only Somali people.Alll African support you🥰💕

NHLAMULO DZEKULA GIYANI :

Very sorry my African brother

soudek :

justice for omar artan

World Best 88 :

Thanking FIFA for what

Khaya da khaya :

we love you brother from South Africa.👍

Ndamu Nechaulu :

Politics are destroying football

mzee we :

not only somalia bro we as African we suppor u

Mo Menze :

Sorry bro from South Africa 🇿🇦

user2310246924155 :

From South Africa 🇿🇦 we support you my brother. All the way. You have made Africa proud despite what has occurred.

🙌 Daughter of Zion :

Is it world cup or American cup trump is overdoing things

♥︎ :

What a humble and grateful man. 🥲 I’m sorry for what happened to you. It was heartbreaking.

Mantse Lartey :

He is wise. He knows how to play the cards. Never underestimate a humble person.

Aden Gas :

Omar Artan is a young, talented, and highly respected Somali referee whose achievements have inspired many across Somalia and Africa. He was on the path to making history by officiating at the FIFA World Cup, a testament to his dedication, professionalism, and hard work. While the decision that prevented him from participating has been disappointing, I do not believe it diminishes his accomplishments in any way. Instead, this moment should be seen as another challenge in his career and a testament to his resilience. His journey remains an inspiration, and I am confident that greater opportunities lie ahead for him, Insha'Allah.

INNOCENT HORSEPOWER :

I really support you from South Africa 🇿🇦

SeSo :

He's good!

orweezy :

brave man 💗

Eu_phrate💕🩷🍷🎈 :

This is soo sad and heartbreaking

💫𝗘 𝗗 𝗜 𝗡 𝗛 𝗢🔮💫🇧🇼 :

We love you our brother🇧🇼

Abdiaziz selad :

Is it World Cup or American league?

I love you mama :

- 𝐴 -🇰🇪🇶🇦 :

much love from Kenya 💕💕👏🙏

Grace :

Africa support you!!!

prime_minister_001 :

Thank FIFA for what???

Mamkotz :

Is he being sarcastic about FIFA?