A U.S. official said the denial of entry for Somali referee Omar Artan was based on security concerns uncovered during border inspection.
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According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, in a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection identified what it described as “derogatory information,” including alleged links or associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations, which made him ineligible for entry under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The official also referenced a broader security policy under the administration of Donald Trump, saying the U.S. would not admit individuals considered potential security risks.
The 34-year-old, Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to be the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals, but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single entry US visa.
Somalia is one of 12 several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump.
A Trump administration source said: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
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