The New York Post had the perfect Babylon Bee headline for this story:
Yes, 33-year-old Omar Abdulkadir Artan, hand-picked to officiate at the 2026 World Cup right here in the USA, got yeeted out of the Miami International Airport after an 11-hour interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Omar was Africa's best referee in 2025, but when he showed up in Miami with all of his FIFA papers, visas, and accreditation, he ended up in a holding cell before being shipped off to Istanbul.
From CNN:
What the association here could be referring to is Al-Shabaab. That is a militant group operating in Somalia; it's an affiliate of al-Qaeda.
Here's U.S. World Cup Task Force Director Andrew Giuliani with more info:
Omar made it back home safe, where he is free to continue associating with terrorists.
Of course, Canada β also hosting the World Cup β has offered to take Omar in for a game or two.
Here's Mayor Chow:
Denying entry to Omar Artan, who has earned his place on the world stage through hard work and perseverance, is not right. Toronto believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine. He would be welcome to referee here in our city. I will be writing to FIFA to let them know he is welcome to referee here.
British Columbia also wants to bring him in. From Premier David Eby:
This is so on-brand for Canada! π
Watch our latest video π
