Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry Over Terror Links Claim

Omar Artan Deni, a 34-year-old Somali referee, was poised to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup final. However, upon his arrival at Miami International Airport, he was denied entry into the United States due to a travel ban list introduced by former President Donald Trump, which included Somalia among 12 countries.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials discovered derogatory information linking Deni to a suspected terrorist organization, rendering him inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Deni, who held a diplomatic passport and a single-entry U.S. visa, stated he was unaware of any links to militant groups upon landing. He returned to Somalia on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by government officials and representatives from the Somali Football Federation, as well as local residents.