But Somalia has been a target of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. Trump revived a travel ban last year that covered nationals from 39 countries, including Somalia, though there are exemptions, including for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including the coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State.”
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, slammed the decision to refuse Artan’s entry, telling AFP on Monday that Artan is “among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.”
A loss for Somalia
Artan’s denial of entry to the U.S. abruptly ends what would have been an historic World Cup participation. He was the first Somali selected to officiate in the men’s tournament finals, a feat for which the East African nation’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated him back in April. “I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” Mohamud said at the time.
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