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Somalia Reacts After Referee Denied US Entry for World Cup Assignment
(MENAFN) The Somali government has voiced regret after Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry to the United States, where he was expected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.
According to reports, this marks the first official comment from the government on the matter. Authorities said they had engaged in diplomatic outreach with relevant parties to support Artan’s travel arrangements.
However, the Foreign Ministry noted, “Regrettably, these efforts did not result in a favorable outcome,” while reaffirming that Somalia would continue to seek clarification and work with partners to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens.
The ministry added that further engagement would continue in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Artan returned to Mogadishu earlier on Wednesday after arriving from Türkiye, where he was greeted with a celebratory reception.
In a statement following the welcome, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said, “Omar Artan has done more than unite the footballing world, he has ignited hope in every child who dares to dream beyond the horizon. Dreams may be deferred, but they are never defeated.”
Upon his arrival, thousands of supporters carrying Somali flags gathered at Mogadishu Stadium to honor the referee’s achievement and show their support.
According to reports, this marks the first official comment from the government on the matter. Authorities said they had engaged in diplomatic outreach with relevant parties to support Artan’s travel arrangements.
However, the Foreign Ministry noted, “Regrettably, these efforts did not result in a favorable outcome,” while reaffirming that Somalia would continue to seek clarification and work with partners to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens.
The ministry added that further engagement would continue in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Artan returned to Mogadishu earlier on Wednesday after arriving from Türkiye, where he was greeted with a celebratory reception.
In a statement following the welcome, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said, “Omar Artan has done more than unite the footballing world, he has ignited hope in every child who dares to dream beyond the horizon. Dreams may be deferred, but they are never defeated.”
Upon his arrival, thousands of supporters carrying Somali flags gathered at Mogadishu Stadium to honor the referee’s achievement and show their support.
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