Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup?
There had always been real concerns that supporters would have difficulties getting into the United States for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is supposed to bring together the best of the best in football - players, coaches and officials. Omar Artan is the number one refere
There had always been real concerns that supporters would have difficulties getting into the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament is supposed to bring together the best of the best in football - players, coaches and officials.
Omar Artan is the number one referee from Africa. He will not be allowed to officiate at the World Cup.
Artan, from Somalia, flew into Miami to join up with the other 51 referees. After what he says was an 11-hour grilling by immigration officials, he was put back on a plane.
"It is pretty clear that the fears of an ideological and discriminatory visa policy from the US government is being realised," said Piara Powar, executive director of discrimination campaign group Fare.
"Never have we seen the farce of an official Fifa referee being refused entry as he arrives for final preparations."
Concerns remain about the potential presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at stadiums, and how fans could be affected.
With 48 hours still to go until the World Cup kicks off, does Fifa have little control about what will happen outside the stadiums?
