Somali referee Omar Artan appointed to 2026 UEFA Super Cup after US denied World Cup entry

rapidwriter CA88

He is not allowed to by FIFA .. every referee has to attend a meeting in the US before the games begin, so he has been taken off the roster already. They wasted no time on that …

Neşe 🇹🇷💙 🇩🇪💙 🇺🇸64

I love Canada even more now! Bravo Canada! 🇨🇦👏👏👏

enrich1259

I hate being on the same side as the assholes. #TrumpSucks

Rosecrucian Roeth58

FIFA won't allow it because Giannini is beholden to Trump and vice versa.

Uniongrl ☮️ 🌍🎵🌻🦋56

I live in Minnesota. We have a large, wonderful community that includes those who sought asylum from Somalia. The USA is run by White Christian Nationalists. This is disgusting! Thank you Canada.

Matt34

Mexico should follow suit and show ICE and American immigration up for the racist, incompetent bunch of Trump Nazis they've become

muppet7.bsky.social31

I wish Canada had hosted the entire event, multi-host events just aren't as good, not to mention the US issues, FIFA have ripped the soul out of football

Ian18

Pull every game from U.S.A

Nyx Cipher16

thank you Canada for not being a bunch of wankers

BlueMonday15

FIFA under Infantino is discredited beyond repair. He’s sold FIFA’s soul to Trump & tarnished the integrity of Football. Elitist ticket pricing & exploitation of Football fans. The World Cup should not be granted to Countries who politicise & impose their ideologies. Referees should go on strike

Endicott Author13

This tells you all you need to know about America right now.

Mojumi11

If FIFA try to block this, it will only be to avoid enraging Trump. What a disgrace that Trump and infantino between them have weaponised the biggest sporting event in the world.

WendyTSRQ11

Once again Canada proves they actually are what the US likes to think it is.

Franca (Ph.D.) 🇨🇦7

No point. He can't ref a game if he isn't at refs' training camp in Florida. That's a FIFA WC-2026 rule & Canada can't change it.

dabxdee.bsky.social7

They don't call the regime's leader Donnie Douchebag for nothing...

abefrohmantheking.bsky.social7

Unfortunately, this doesn’t help him. All of the referees are together to train and review performance and it limits his assignments. It looks like there are only three matches he could be assigned to. You can only see a team once and you can’t work a game involving a team from your confederation.

Ed5

Oh.....but let white South African racists in ......

Matato'a Brian 🗿🗿🗿4

I love Canada. But there is another part to this. FIFA has to assign him to the games, a move which would anger the orange toddler. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see Infantino doing something to displease his peace prize recipient.

Diane4

Not FIFA! Didn't FIFA sanction Indonesia? But nothing to the US?

Ashland Forest Dweller4

Somalian Referee Omar Artan to enter the US, Trump is playing to his racist base, by allowing him to enter Canada and referee FIFA matches, Canada is playing fair. I wish the US would give Trump a permanent Red Card.

Rev. C.P. Johnson4

Wtf does this admin think? That he's going to illegally stay past his visa?! This man has a great career and isn't a criminal. This is blatant racism and that's all there is to it. We need to ban Trump from this country.

Horselaugh3

Because, unlike the US, Canada's gov't isn't run by ethnocentric racists.

Ian3

Not sure if you know anything about Canadian politics but Eby has no jurisdiction to offer this. It's a PR sop.

Confused Penguin3

It takes an effort for football fans to side with a referee, but USA and FIFA managed to pull it off :D

Dave (DABS)3

We don't want you in the United States! For Whites only!

Dave (DABS)3

All because of this piece of shit! 💩☠️🤮

anita72.bsky.social3

He's already back in Somalia. Marit Stiles said he should go to Toronto, too. But he was sent back to Istanbul. FIFA could've intervened, but didn't. Denied World Cup entry, Somali referee Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup - www.reuters.com/sports/socce...

Dave Ryan3

Well done, Canada. Show them how a proper host behaves.

Lucy Hamilton3

I’m glad he’ll be safe. I’m worried for non-white players, fans & officials in the US.

Nancy V.3

The US shouldn't be chosen for future world events until the Trump problem is addressed.

CitrineGlitters3

Mr Artan's back in Mogadishu, isn't he? I saw a series of pictures showing the Somalis welcoming him home, swearing support and so on. I expect they were also wiping their feet on American flags, but that wasn't in the news clips. Deserved, yes, but - tactfully - not shown. Gawd, TFG's mortifying!

Jackie Knott2

Bravo, Canada! You see why we love you so much?! 💙

Stephen O’Connor 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (he/him)2

He’ll get an amazing welcome should he come here to Vancouver!

A moon shadow2

But THIEFA sides with Trump, what a surprise?

suerobin11.bsky.social2

Thank you Canada. The U.S. response is unconscionable!

CHRONIC CANADIAN 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈🦋❤️🐶🇺🇦2

Canada once again highlights the difference between kindness and ignorance.

Graeme2

❤️🇨🇦 In a world where people forever let you down, Canada, never does!

Terry A2

Artan has returned to Somalia..... www.espn.com/soccer/story...

Evan2

Once again Canada steps up and shames trump and his racist cronies.

Christina(Huddy mom)2

Now do the other teams so America can't mess with anyone else. Seriously...I know its special for other countries but the US has been in its villain era now for over a year... Why the hell risk their lives?

Queen Thicctoria IV2

Americans all need to boycott FIFA. Fuck’em and their “fifa peace prize”!

Skatingfool2

Canada is the adult in the room.

bearbuttsam.bsky.social2

As an American, It hurts to say these things but please shame everything about the current "Administration". He has ruined the US in every possible way 😫😫😫😫

tiadee1031.bsky.social2

👉 Canada is a nation of fairness & compassion over the U.S., which is now being run by hate & racism. We USED to be a country that at least tried to appear as if we weren't basing our whole attitude towards elite athletes on the color of their skin or the country of origin. So deeply embarrassed.

Hold My Beer ❌👑🐸🇲🇽🇨🇦36

Thank you Canada!!!! Sorry America is being run by racist dicks right not. Hang in there, we're working on it.

Rage of a thousand forebears22

This guy should sue Mark Wayne for defamation. He intimated today that he has some kind of criminal ties which could effect his prospects of global entry in other countries, if they follow suit.

CitrineGlitters18

He had all the paperwork -- the work visa, the passport, the invitation to officiate, yadda yadda yadda -- and they interrogated him for more than TWELVE hours before refusing him entry. Because he was from one of those "sh1thole countries" that TFG despises so much. AND he was DARK-SKINNED!

dangerousdrink948.bsky.social17

This is down right evil to do to someone. I feel for him, I know his pain.

ruders77.bsky.social16

He was denied entry to the USA because the USA is a fascist state.

Bronze Star Vet13

Canada and Mexico are the world’s greatest and most prosperous democracies in the Western Hemisphere.

Leslie-Anne 🇨🇦🇫🇷😷☮️**I AM CANADIAN!** Bird Nerd🪶!!9

Has he arrived in Canada yet? I hope there was a very large, very loud and very warm welcome for him!!! ✌🏻❤️🇨🇦

Roblee149

This was pure racism someone needs to file a lawsuit on his behalf especially since he had all the necessary documentation

And then FIFA dumps him? Did I hear that right? FIFA is more corrupt than the U.S. (hard to believe, I know)

Maggie🇸🇪7

He can’t participate, everything is set long ago. But his invited to UEFA instead, for the Arsenal match from what I’ve seen. Pretty sure his much better of with that then participating in the biggest racist country in the world.

Thomas Henry Pope7

As it should be. Thank you, Canada.

Scott7

Indeed, thank you Canada 🇨🇦.

d-d-jones.bsky.social7

Looks like UEFA stepped up. F FIFA.

kaarinajaakkola.bsky.social6

Artan has been invited to Salzburg too. #UEFA

DanGiovanni7776

Hey Canada, Please, give him an extra day to recover from his jet lag before he runs out on the pitch. Flying back & forth across the World in one week is exhausting. Thanks, Empathetic American.

Halfpint DJT IS MY NELLIE OLSEN!5

Someone posted that FIFA still "owns" him for lack of a better word. (But thats what they r doing.) Something about all officials must meet in the U.S. first so he cant referee in Canada. I hope its false cause they would suck royally!

Morganne MacDonald5

Another reason to love Canada. May we return to her values (and ours) after the orange menace is gone and all those who enabled his criminal corruption are charged (along w/djt), prosecuted & incarcerated after being found guilty. No pardons. Accountability matters. So does ending corruption.

russophobia_is_good4

To deny entry to an official referee is evil. But lets be clear, FIFA and the bold fuck running it, did nothing to interfere and make it better. It is easier to cozy up to trump or putin then to potentially lose money . Don’t forget FIFA will make 10 billion from world cup, it is all about money

SNaomi194

He had the correct paperwork but not the right skin tone for those that are in power in our autocratic government

🦋Cosmo the Shaggy Dog🦋4

Welcome to Crimerica an Icehole country.

Wolf4

This isn't completely true. He will not be in Canada, as he was required to go to Miami for pre World Cup official training & the US denied him entry. He will be refereeing the final of the UEFA Super Cup, Aug 12, in Austria. www.espn.com/soccer/story...

mikeyhowell.bsky.social4

This is why the World Cup should have been pulled from the US

Gertie3

Boycott all FIFA World Cup matches in the US. We are not all right.

gpnel.bsky.social3

The disgraceful disgusting behaviors that this administration practices should have people in an uproar this administration enjoys hate devicivness and gender discrimination when does it stop when do the adults stop the abuse

Keith Rawlinson 🇵🇸 🇺🇳 🇺🇦 🏳️‍🌈 🇦🇺3

Question is: WHY DIDN'T FIFA REARRANGE HIS SCHEDULE TO GAMES NOT IN AMERICA???

Jimmy Reed!3

Bc Canada isn’t being governed by a fat ass mean girl and a bunch of fucking Gretchen Weiners!

larryg49.bsky.social3

Damn you Canada! Class move! Shalom

stopdropendfascism.bsky.social3

America is a Nazi country

gregggles.bsky.social3

Does the US seriously believe this man poses a threat?

pamc84.bsky.social3

Sounds about white with tRump and his administration! Fuck them all 🖕

Tedejr5286473

I have no proof, but I will have to find strong evidence to change my mind that this was an affront directed at Congresswoman Ilhan Omar They said only that it was a "vetting" issue, but refuse to be more specific. And yes, TY Canada, & in your face Drowsy Donnie.

Bill3

The 1936 Olympic were more welcoming than trumps racist republican hateful modern day World Cup.

Wailwulf3

Thank you Canada for showing the world an example of how my country should be acting, but isn't.

bphiam.bsky.social3

It’s only right! Plus it would be our honour and privilege 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Krapp2

If any country is serious about stopping terrorists from crossing their borders, all they need is a copy of the Republican Party membership list.

revel #getthevoteout #80+%2

Vote for reasonable immigration policy and enforcement. And take someone with you to the polling place! Be a part of the civic responsibility wave! #getthevoteout at #eightypluspercent

marv88-88.bsky.social2

The stands are going to be full of white immigrants only. We officially are Nazi America.

dbergstr.bsky.social2

Another shameful display holy shit

🏳️‍🌈SKEETERS🇨🇦2

Somalia is on the ban list. It's black or white with amerikka. Never gray. 🤬

BlueFairyVA2

Our nation has become so pathetic. I thank all the other countries who aren’t, still. #BlueFairyVAsoashamed

Mr Doublina Mr Bob Doublina2

I know he was invited here which I think is great, but I have not seen any proof that he will be refereeing while he is here…if he even comes here.

ex-xr.bsky.social2

Because of “association with suspected members of terror organizations”; what, being Somalian? And they couldn’t determine that before he got on the plane to Miami?

La poune24

Also, Vancouver Canada has confirmed he will referee at one of the 4 world cup matches this summer.

Kurt Nelson 🍁15

Canada has said he's more than welcome...which as a Canadian, I 100% agree!! He should not be stripped of the opportunity because 1 of the 3 countries denied him. Give him a game here!!!

Jesus Weeps Still15

Couldn't they just switch him with another ref and let him officiate a World Cup match in a first world country like Mexico or Canada?

DianaTripper14

This is just wonderful!!! 💪 No one should be victimized because our stinking President is racist scum.

bklyn4ever.bsky.social12

The only organization more corrupt than the current US one is FIFA. The only difference is scale.

🖇️ Jane10

I love this part! I also love the very public humiliation of tRump by doing this.

gcm5.bsky.social9

Wonderful news. Congratulations to Omar. 👏👏👏On behalf of most Americans, I apologize for our racist immigration processes. 😔

Donna M (she/her) 🌈🐍🎹🇺🇦🇵🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽🇻🇪🇩🇰5

Good. He should also get a chance to ref in Canada or Mexico.

RoEaStM5

The Europeans do the right thing.

dangerousdrink948.bsky.social3

This country has gone to hell. Trump has been vocal about his disdain for Somalians, Blacks, ppl of color etc and doesnt care that there are concentration camps that include children and babies. His poll numbers have decreased, but not enough. There’s fools that believe he’s the chosen one from God.

Tech Dad3

FIFA could have simply made him an official for a match in Mexico or Canada, why didn't they?

BookHoarder3

I love this for him.

Yumi Yume2

"They think it's all over... It is now."

RoEaStM2

FIFA assumed that all referees would be allowed in to the host nations. A good assumption, as it has been normal in the last 22 World Cups.

SC 🇺🇦🇵🇸2

If FIFA had any scruples (yes, I know they do not) they would simply refuse to hold the match he was to officiate. Say the teams tied 0-0. Mad about it? Blame Trump.

Trumpanzee 😵‍💫2

I’m glad not every country has as petty of a leader as our pedosaurus.

Bamford#012

How many days until the Orange 💩stain leaves our White House?

Kriselda21

I'm glad to see that people in high places wanted to make sure he wasn't just sent packing because of an irrational orange tyrant. In some ways, ICE's BS has garnered him even more recognition for his abilities. I would never have heard of him were it not for this flap

Minkadoo - Keeper of the Flame19

The worst part was that FIFA did not defend him one bit.

Welcome to the party pal!14

America's racism is on display. Again.

FranzKC13

Remembering Palestinian FIFA international referee Hani Mesmeh, murdered two years ago in Gaza by the Israeli Occupation forces.

MT12

Games haven’t even started yet and I already can’t keep up with all the subplots

1000 Volts of Holte11

That's a really nice touch from UEFA, and my team are playing in that game - I'm delighted he's been given the opportunity (unless he sends any of our players off)

gillybee6610

Why couldn't he have swapped with another official and reffed games in Mexico or Canada?

Rob Evans8

FIFA should be prosecuted for not protecting their own people and the boss needs to be ousted we warned you this tournament was going to be a disaster FIFA is not fit for purpose and deserves to be destroyed dumb fucks

Oiltrashscot6

Jesus Christ, I am applauding UEFA. What is going on in the world!!!

Nunki 🇨🇦🇺🇦6

What the US and FIFA did to Omar Artan was despicable. The rest of the football world appreciates him and his accomplishments.

Julie 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏴‍☠️ 🏳️‍🌈 Montoya5

Why did FIFA not call off the World Cup altogether unless / until the orange shitstain allowed Omar Artan to do his job? I think the USA should be excluded from future football competitions until a personal apology has been not just made, in public, but accepted.

Mike4

This government is dishonest, racist, vindictive, cruel, and corrupt.

Kimmie 🇨🇦❤️🌈🌊🐕🦋 🇨🇦4

Canada invited him to referee here. YAY!!!

Rippmo19523

The US behavior here is really incomprehensible.

Unknownerror3

It’s shameful the US refused to let this ref in, with not one single reason besides the fact that our government is racist. As an American this only adds to my embarrassment. I might be naive here but why not reassign him to different game(s) in Mexico or Canada?

Yesfan1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🐸3

Brilliant - proud of UEFA sticking two fingers up to the FIFA US debacle!

Sharonls2

We continue to embarras ourselves. The whole world is watching while Rome burns 🔥

Yohan2

Salut, UEFA. Infantino could have done the right thing and swapped a referee for him to officiate in Canada or Mexico but he didn't have the balls to face Trump's wrath.

Mike hunt 8485✊2

It’s still shite however the try to polish it … the referees should have stood together and said ..fuk of America..one oot …. All fukin oot

niallsmith.bsky.social2

Is this not almost worse? This is obviously the petrol station flowers on Valentines Day of games to referee The poor guy

Icebjorn2

Aint gonna watch nothin’ Aint gonna listen nothin’ Just gonna ignore fifa!

Data4Miles44

And yet this happened: …17 family members of cartel leaders crossed into the U.S. last week as part of a deal between a son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel… (May 14, 2025)

jakeschu.bsky.social36

Yet, he's good with an ACTUAL, ADJUDICATED criminal as president. Got it.

Ke¡k¡34

"Perceived" doing the heavy lifting here.

Saint Sherman - The Ultimate Patriot27

That FIFA peace prize is looking like a bribe.

Frances A. Nixon24

Oh - and what exactly did all the Scottish people with young children, headed to see Scotland play, do to have visas cancelled day before their trip? Visas granted weeks ago! Incidents all over our news - so not a good look for USA.

David Walker18

MEXICO and CANADA will have full stadiums for the World Cup USA will not.

Middlerage14

We just going to make people who have evidence of criminal ties President!

Fight for right13

BUT MARKWAYNE, you allowed a 34 CT. Convicted felon pedophile and conman in our WH!!

VT Moderate 🇩🇰 🇨🇦 🇺🇦12

The referee had a visa and passed the background check. Mullin is a liar.

Forza Bahab10

You let Thomas Partey in, who is literally about to go on trial for rape in London, but do go on...

Cath RN, PhD10

“We're not gonna allow people that are perceived to have criminal ties to come into this country unless they buy a $10 million visa & slip Donald a couple of million under the table… just like he pardon criminals here for millions.

Kim, Bestie of Bunzy, Co-CEO Execubetch™️9

He's talking about FIFA lmao

MountainBikeCrashExpert7

And yet they allowed a criminal to attend game 3 of the nba finals

HockeyDad6

We don’t want to tell you why we are keeping him out but stop speculating why we kept him out

alicia-daugherty.bsky.social5

“Perceived to have criminal ties” = “from a country Trump doesn’t like and/or can’t pronounce.”

@amybinthewoods.bsky.social 🍄🍄‍🟫5

But if you are already here and have criminal ties but are lining our pockets, we all good.

Dona Dickinson4

Or brown skin. Either can be disqualifying, right?

snarkey1.bsky.social4

So….. more than 35 felonies?

Tony Sarabia4

perceived? Have we entered Minority Report territory?

Edgeoforever🗽4

“Perceived “ I wonder what created that perception?🥴

Zeb Ulon3

"perceived to have" is the standard now? does he know where he works? his boss?

John S3

So if we object to their neckwear that is the criteria? Criminal ties? I'd advise just going a bit more casual then....

Farm Girl3

Well, he could start at the White House.

Dan West: Schlockmeister General3

MARKWAYNE MULLIN: We're not gonna allow people that are perceived to have criminal ties to come into this country

oneweirdthing.bsky.social3

He said perceived. Most of the country perceives this admin as criminals. Now what? lol

littledoodle.bsky.social3

Not even perceived, but MAYBE perceived. What a load of horse manure. And, of course, they're not going to share any details with us.

Count Zero3

Perceived = "Because we're racist"

oldcc.bsky.social3

In other words Because they are of color they must be criminals I'm embarrassed by a government that is completely racist

ChiDad3

Dear World This is red state America. This is the Republican voter. Educated by Fox News, propped up by social media. This is unfortunately the direction America has been going for years.

john vella3

"perceived to have criminal ties" i mean, he IS associated with FIFA. right?

mandolinistry.bsky.social2

Brown people. He means brown people. These racist idiots arent even pretending to hide it anymore.

NoVoterLeftBehind2

Isn't it rich to hear a Trump toady say "people [who] are perceived to have criminal ties" as if he is not working for a crime boss.

DGiant2

"perceived" Open to any kind of perception. No facts.

Kavita2

A lot of Scottish fans also had their visas revoked at the last min. This article mentions a White House comment pertaining to social media made back in Dec. Some of these people have traveled here prior & have no criminal records. Their visas were suddenly revoked this wk.

Fed Leppard2

"Criminal ties"? Fuck off Waynemark

K. Moore 🦋📚🎼2

Why don’t elected republicans just come and own their racism instead hiding behind empty rhetoric. Much easier and takes less effort, just say black and brown people not welcome in the US. We all see it and feel it.

owybabs.bsky.social2

It was such a good idea to confirm him.

ZoZo2

Really not a bright cockroach.

Terraformer2

Just goddamn doofuses all the time at the podium, playacting gravitas and expertise while speaking nonsense

Rex & Remi2

What criminal ties did either of the two have? See - the follow-up question isn't tough.

Bethanne Wills2

A jury “perceived” his boss of committing 34 felonies yet he’s in the country.

🖐️ DrAlanT 🎬 📚 📎2

He himself now has 'ties' to the White House convicted felon... 📯

Aloysius Olberding2

"Perceived" to have criminal ties? Is that like everybody instinctively knowing there's diabolical fraud going on?

Mic2

There are plenty of countries that do not allow convicted felons to enter. I hope they all act accordingly in the future and use this statement as their validation for not allowing entry to "anyone" who is a convicted felon, no matter their title...

Jedi Master Wise2

Seems white people have no issues getting in…

Erik of Portland, Governmental Lawlessness Disliker2

Okay so he's employed by FIFA so that is probably prima facie evidence of corruption, but come on, this Administration is good with that.

Steve15199918

The referees are a spineless selfish bunch, they should have all turned round & said if #Artan isn’t allowed to referee none of us will

Conner of Kinghorn11

Ceferin making a start on his FIFA president campaign

Samantha Meows6

I know avid football fans will ignore this. But really if they were true to football they would boycott. This will only get worse.

Rory Forbes 🇬🇱4

FIFA should have moved the mandatory training to Canada. Worst World Cup Ever #WWC and it hasnt even started yet. Knowing how the US love a sporting acronym, let's go with #WWC

flyoragayshun.bsky.social4

FIFA are supporting Trump’s racist policies. Please remember that.

Jonathan Bird4

AI slop cartoons certainly shouldn’t be normalised.

M'art2

Move the mandatory training from Miami to Vancouver?

Moireibh na Chreig2

Please don't post slop-generated images.

Gilles Pelletier2

Somewhere in his head and heart, Artan was furious when he was refused access to the USA. But he took it gracefully, the world noticed, and he's rewarded for his actions, his demeanor and his track record as an official. Bravo!