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A Somali soccer referee denied a US visa to transit for the 2022 World Cup was welcomed home as a hero in Mogadishu, highlighting visa challenges for officials from conflict-affected countries.
Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup, sparking concerns about visa issues for staff and supporters. The incident raises questions about FIFA's control over its own tournament.
FIFA has appointed match officials for the first four matches of the FIFA World Cup. The referees and assistants will oversee the tournament's opening fixtures, setting the standard for officiating.