- Jun 14
FIFA pays Somali referee Omar Artan full World Cup fee after US bars him over alleged terror links; UEFA names him for Super Cup
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, barred by US immigration authorities over alleged terrorist links, will receive his full World Cup match fee from FIFA, while UEFA has appointed him to officiate the European Super Cup.
- Jun 11
Somali referee Omar Artan barred from US World Cup over alleged terror links, returns to hero's welcome in Mogadishu
Omar Artan, Africa's top referee, was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup after US officials alleged ties to terrorist organizations. He returned to Somalia on Wednesday to a rapturous welcome from thousands of supporters.
- Jun 10
Somali referee Omar Artan barred from US World Cup over alleged terror links, returns to hero's welcome
Omar Artan, set to be the first Somali to officiate a World Cup, was denied entry to the United States after border officials flagged alleged connections to suspected terrorist organizations. He returned to Mogadishu to a hero's welcome.
- Jun 8
Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry, will miss 2026 World Cup debut
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, named Africa's best referee in 2025, was denied entry to the United States over the weekend, ending his chance to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup.
- Jun 4
Gun battles rock Mogadishu as Somali president's term extension sparks clashes with opposition militias
Government forces and opposition-allied militias exchanged heavy gunfire and mortars in Mogadishu, forcing civilians to flee ahead of planned anti-government protests over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to extend his term.
