This is my problem with FIFA.
If the USA denied Artan entry, Canada and Mexico are also co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Instead of removing him from the tournament altogether, FIFA could have assigned him to officiate matches in Canada or Mexico and have him depart from there.
That would have been a practical solution rather than dropping him entirely.
FIFA confirm Omar Abdulkadir Artan can’t officiate at the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.
The Somali referee is one of Africa’s most respected officials. Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports say Artan travelled with a valid US visa.
Yet Somalia is on a travel ban list introduced by President Trump’s administration.
🗣️ “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”