'Suspected Terrorist' Somali Referee Kicked Out of U.S. Hailed as Hero in Homeland, Returns to Thousands of Applauding Fans: "I Will Compete in the Next World Cup"

*This content was translated by AI.

Omar Artan, a Somali football referee who was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has returned to his homeland to be treated as a hero.

According to foreign media outlets including AP and Reuters, Referee Artan arrived in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on the 10th (local time).

Artan, named Africa's Referee of the Year for 2025, was expected to become Somalia's first-ever World Cup referee. However, despite holding a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, he was denied entry at Miami International Airport in the United States on the 7th.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that he was deemed inadmissible due to identity verification issues, and FIFA immediately removed him from the referee list. Subsequently, a Trump administration official explained that the reason for the entry denial was that Artan was suspected of having connections with individuals linked to a terrorist organization.

Although his dream was unjustly dashed, the welcome from his homeland was fiery. Before his arrival, hundreds of supporters, government officials, and football figures had gathered at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. Upon disembarking from the plane, Artan was surrounded by fans waving the Somali flag and warmly welcomed. Escorted by police, he moved to the VIP terminal and met with high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Sports.

Expressing gratitude to the government, the people, and FIFA, Artan vowed, "By the will of God, I will definitely participate in the next World Cup." He further emphasized, "It is our responsibility to uphold the name of Somalia. Whether the situation is good or bad, Somalia is our country, and both the flag and the passport belong to us."

Following this, Artan attended a football match held at a stadium in Mogadishu as a special guest, receiving another round of fiery standing ovations from thousands of spectators.

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*This content was translated by AI.