FIFA World Cup: Somali referee denied entry into US over 'vetting concerns'

Jun 09, 2026

The official was later identified by FIFA as Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the only Somali referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup following World Cup visa setback

Jun 11, 2026

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who has been ruled out of officiating at the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States,...

"Nobody benefits from divisive and polarising narratives": UN Rights Chief urges rethink of US immigration policies ahead of FIFA World Cup

Jun 11, 2026

Among reported incidents related to US entry, Iran's national team moved its training camp from Arizona to Mexico, with some Iranian officials denied visas....

Somalia referee Omar Artan appointed for 2026 UEFA Super Cup after US entry denial forces World Cup miss

Jun 11, 2026

Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Saturday appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026...

'Earth Anthem' penned by Indian diplomat Abhay K, translated into Somali

Dec 03, 2021

Mogadishu [Somalia], December 3 : 'Earth Anthem', penned in 2008 by Indian poet and diplomat Abhay K, has been translated into Somali by the...

Somali army kills 40 al-Shabab terrorists in central region

Jul 03, 2022

Mogadishu [Somali], July 3 (ANI/Xinhua): Somali National Army (SNA) said Sunday its elite forces Danab killed at least 40 al-Shabab militants during security operations...