Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup?
With referee Omar Artan denied entry to the United States and worries over staff and supporters being turned back, what does this tell us about the World Cup?
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Notable Quotes
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."
— Omar Artan , Athlete
"It is pretty clear that the fears of an ideological and discriminatory visa policy from the US government is being realised."
— Piara Powar , Activist
"While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."
— Andrew Giuliani , Politician
"Every few hours it's another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs."
— Ian Wright , Celebrity
"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility."
— Omar Abdulkadir Artan , Athlete
Key People
Andrew Giuliani leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
President of FIFA.
Ian Wright is a former England striker and football pundit.
Omar Artan is a Somali Fifa referee who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Somali referee Omar Artan was set to become the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Executive director of the discrimination campaign group Fare.
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With referee Omar Artan denied entry to the United States and worries over staff and supporters being turned back, what does this tell us about the World Cup?
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, leading to his exclusion from the tournament.
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