Sepp Blatter Slams US Visa Block on Somali Referee Omar Artan
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has condemned the US decision to deny Somali referee Omar Artan entry for the 2026 World Cup. In a social media statement, he said host countries must guarantee both safety and unrestricted entry for all qualified officials. He warned that blocking Artan undermines football’s universality. Artan held a valid tournament visa and diplomatic passport. After an 11-hour interrogation and detention in Miami, he was sent back to Istanbul. FIFA has distanced itself from the case, insisting it cannot influence a host country’s immigration process. Meanwhile, Artan has been appointed to referee the upcoming UEFA Super Cup final.
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