Somali World Cup Referee Barred from U.S. Entry, Unable to Officiate

A referee from Somalia was scheduled to work at the World Cup. U.S. immigration officials denied him entry into the country. The denial prevents him from officiating any matches on U.S. soil. The incident was reported by NBC26. The referee’s absence will affect the tournament’s officiating roster. Organizers must reassign his assignments to other officials. The reason for the denial was not disclosed in the report. The situation highlights immigration challenges for international sports personnel.