US bans Somali referee scheduled for the World Cup from entering the country On the eve of the World Cup, the United States' immigration policy is causing uncertainty and fear among fans and professionals around the world. This Monday (8), one of the referees called up for the World Cup was sent home by the American authorities - and straight from the airport. Omar Artan was scheduled for the World Cup games. He would be the first Somali to act as a judge at the World Cup. But soon after landing in Miami, he was put on a flight to Turkey. Somali authorities told France-Presse news agency that Artan had a valid visa. Somalia is one of many countries affected by travel limitations imposed by the United States. But, until now, it is not known exactly why he was blocked. If there was any specific reason or if it was due to the country restriction. 📱Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day Among the 48 countries participating in the World Cup, four face restrictions imposed by the Trump administration: Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast - the same imposed on Somalia. Citizens of Iran and Haiti are in the total travel ban category for the United States. In the June 2025 decision, the White House stated that it is for national security reasons. Visitors from Senegal and Ivory Coast can apply for some visas, but they have restrictions or limited validity. The United States signed a FIFA document committing to facilitate the granting of visas or simplify existing procedures, in a non-discriminatory manner. The document provides for an exception: not negatively affecting the national immigration and security rules of these host countries. On the eve of the World Cup, US immigration policy causes uncertainty and fear among fans and professionals around the world National Newspaper/ Reproduction This Monday (8), the person responsible for immigration policy in the United States, Tom Homan, stated that he will increase the number of ICE agents in New York - the immigration police. He did not say when, but the announcement generates fear among immigrants during the World Cup period. Employees who will work at the Los Angeles stadium threaten to go on strike if the federal government carries out operations to combat immigration at the games. A considerable number of them are immigrants. On Monday night (8), FIFA spoke out about the American government's decision to prevent the entry of referee Omar Artan. He stated that, at all FIFA events, it is the host government that decides who receives a visa and is allowed to enter the country. GloboPop: click to see videos from the Jornal Nacional stage READ ALSO Special series on the essence of Brazilian football highlights the talent of our players JN series on the virtues of the only five-time champion team in the world highlights the race of the Brazilian player Last chapter of JN's special series exalts the creativity of Brazilian players Carlo Ancelotti's path to the Brazilian national team is full of achievements; get to know