Somali World Cup referee denied entry to U.S. gets hero’s welcome at home

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was named Africa’s best men’s referee last year, was welcomed by supporters upon arrival in Mogadishu, Somalia, after being denied entry to the U.S. and forced to fly back home.

Officials said he “was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

Artan has an “iconic” status in Somalia and is a “symbol of resilience,” said Ciise Aden Abshir, senior adviser for Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. “He was the first referee from Somalia who absolutely reached these heights.”

“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” Artan told those gathered at the airport, according to the Associated Press. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”