VM-domare stoppas i sista stund från inträde i USA

Den somaliske fotbollsdomaren Omar Artan anlände under måndagen till USA, då han är uttagen för att döma VM-matcher.

Men Artan fick inte komma in i landet, rapporterar AFP. Enligt nyhetsbyrån tvingades han vända i passkontrollen.

The treatment of Artan has sparked fury, particularly across African football circles. The Somali official was named CAF's Best African Referee of the Year in 2025, having previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and taken charge of a continental club final.

The incident has added to growing frustrations over what many perceive as the unchecked influence of the Trump administration, in apparent disregard of agreements between FIFA and the host nations.

On social media, where anger is mounting, some critics have already labelled this edition the "World Cup of shame." According to Molina, FIFA appears to be allowing the United States to dictate the terms, leaving the governing body in a difficult position just days before the opening ceremony.

The Somali official was named CAF's Best African Referee of the Year in 2025, having previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and taken charge of a continental club final.

UEFA (Union of European Football Associations): Represents Europe.

CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol): Represents South America.

Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football): Represents North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

CAF (Confederation of African Football): Represents Africa.

AFC (Asian Football Confederation): Represents Asia and Australia.

OFC (Oceania Football Confederation): Represents Oceania.