Somali and global report
New York Times Somaliageneral

Soccer Referee Receives Hero’s Welcome in Somalia After U.S. Denies Him Entry

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was admired in Somalia long before he was selected to be the first Somali referee at the World Cup. After being denied entry into the U.S. to participate as a referee in the World Cup, Artan received a hero’s welcome upon returning home on Wednesday.

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Soccer Referee Receives Hero’s Welcome in Somalia After U.S. Denies Him Entry
Image / visual context · New York Times Somalia

Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a hero’s welcome in Somalia after being denied entry into the U.S. to referee at the World Cup.

What was announced

  1. Omar Abdulkadir Artan was selected to be the first Somali referee at the World Cup.
  2. He was denied entry into the U.S. for the event.
  3. Upon his return to Somalia, he was celebrated by the public.
Somalia
2026-06-10

Why this matters: This event highlights the pride and support for national figures in Somalia, especially in sports.

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New York Times Somalia

new video loaded: Soccer Referee Receives Hero’s Welcome in Somalia After U.S. Denies Him Entry

Soccer Referee Receives Hero’s Welcome in Somalia After U.S. Denies Him Entry

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was admired in Somalia long before he was selected to be the first Somali referee at the World Cup. After being denied entry into the U.S. to participate as a referee in the World Cup, Artan received a hero’s welcome upon returning home on Wednesday.

Source: New York Times Somalia. Read original.
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New York Times Somalia
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