US Homeland Security Secretary Markweyn Mullin has commented on the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was scheduled to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Oxu.Az citing Anadolu Agency, the decision was based on suspicions that the referee may have links to terrorist organizations.
"We will not allow entry to anyone with a criminal record or possible ties to criminal groups. I don't care about your status. I don't want to delve into the details, but there is a valid reason," Mullin said. He added that claims of bias against Somalia are false.
The 2026 World Cup runs from now until July 19 in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
