A Somali football referee, Abdiwahid Artan, has been stopped at the border and denied entry to the United States. Sources confirm the referee, who was en route to officiate a youth tournament in New York, was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection officers at JFK Airport. The Foreign Office has raised concerns over the travel restrictions, which appear to lack clear justification.
Artan, a respected figure in Somali football circles, holds a valid visa and had previously travelled to the US without incident. The refusal comes amid escalating tensions between the US and several African nations, though officials deny any political motive. A Foreign Office spokesperson stated: “We are aware of this case and are seeking urgent clarification from the US authorities.
We expect travel regulations to be applied fairly and without discrimination.” Artan remains in limbo, awaiting a flight back to Mogadishu. This incident will fuel fears of arbitrary enforcement of US immigration rules, particularly against individuals from countries with large Muslim populations.
The tournament organisers have expressed dismay, calling the move a “blow to international sportsmanship.
