The United States denied entry over the weekend to soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match.
A FIFA spokesperson said on Monday that Artan will not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup — which kicks off on Thursday — after he was not allowed to enter the United States.
“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,” the spokesperson said.