06/08/26 04:56:00
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06/08 16:55 CDT Somali referee won't officiate in World Cup after being denied
entry into the United States
Somali referee won't officiate in World Cup after being denied entry into the
United States
By The Associated Press
Somali referee Omar Artan won't officiate in the World Cup after being denied
entry into the United States.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Monday that a Somali national who was
planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving to
Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. While the CBP statement
didn't mention the person by name, Artan is the only World Cup referee from
Somalia.
FIFA confirmed later Monday that Artan wouldn't be able to train and officiate
at the World Cup.
"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa
adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan's status
will not be changed at present," soccer's governing body said in a statement.
"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who
receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."
CBP issued a release explaining why Artan was denied entry.
"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine
part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or
determine admissibility," CBP said in its statement. "Following inspection, the
traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible
due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."
CBP noted that all travelers seeking entry into the U.S. --- including
athletes, coaches and staff --- are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.
"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law
enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the
time of inspection," the CBP statement said. "CBP officers have the authority
to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility
consistent with U.S. law."
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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