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Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Somalia’s star football referee who was denied entry to the United States while en route to the FIFA World Cup 2026, returned to Mogadishu on June 10, 2026, to an extraordinary welcome at Adim Abdulla Usman International Airport. Hundreds of football fans, sports board officials and senior government representatives gathered to greet him, chanting his name and turning what began as a humiliating episode abroad into a public celebration of national pride and unity.

Artan, who was named Africa’s top referee in 2025 and had been selected as the first Somali official for the 2026 World Cup, was detained by U.S. border authorities after arriving in Miami from Istanbul. According to the account in Somali media, he was held and questioned for eleven hours despite holding a valid visa and a diplomatic passport. U.S. officials reportedly cited security reasons and arranged for him to be returned to Turkey.

The reception in Mogadishu was framed by supporters and officials as an act of solidarity. Crowds and dignitaries praised Artan’s achievements and resilience, saying the welcome transformed a distressing episode into a moment of national honour. At the airport, Artan reassured those gathered, saying he would be present at the next World Cup.

The incident provoked strong reactions within the global football community. Somalia’s government condemned the U.S. action and hailed Artan as a source of national pride, while FIFA has described the matter as an administrative process and has sought to distance itself from the controversy. For many Somalis, Artan’s return has elevated him from top referee to symbol of perseverance and national dignity after an international ordeal.

Original Source: https://assam.nenow.in/somalia-gives-heros-welcome-to-fifa-world-cup-referee-denied-entry-by-us-video/
Category: Popular Stories,আন্ত: ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয়,ক্ৰীড়া,শীর্ষ সংবাদ
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Publish Date: 2026-06-10 20:57:00