Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Omar Abdulkadir Artan across Soccer, Football.
A series of disputes — from the denial of entry to a Somali referee to political meddling in disciplinary decisions — have turned the 2026 World Cup preparation into a saga of controversy.
In an open letter, Gianni Infantino pushed back against detractors, emphasizing the World Cup’s power to bring people together across borders.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the recent World Cup, emphasizing its celebration of unity and safety while addressing controversies ranging from visa restrictions to officiating debates.
The 2026 World Cup's expansion to 48 teams was meant to celebrate diversity, yet visa restrictions have prevented many nations from participating, raising safety worries and prompting a forthcoming report from the Sport & Rights Alliance.
Despite expanding to 48 teams, the United States' visa policies blocked many fans and workers from attending the tournament, sparking safety and inclusion debates.
Despite expanding the tournament to 48 teams, strict U.S. visa rules have blocked fans and workers from Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq and Uzbekistan, raising safety concerns for journalists and sparking a forthcoming human‑rights report.
From packed parks to empty stadium seats, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reveals stark contradictions between fan enthusiasm and the financial, legal and ethical challenges that now define the sport’s biggest stage.
The United States has refused entry visas to key members of Iran's soccer federation, disrupting the team's preparations for the upcoming World Cup and raising diplomatic tensions.
The United States has refused entry to numerous Iranian soccer officials and a referee, citing terrorism fears, while the Iranian team struggles to prepare for the World Cup amid escalating geopolitical strain.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, 11 host cities, and a host of cultural performances, while security, ticket costs and predictions shape the narrative.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee selected for the FIFA World Cup, was blocked from traveling to the United States but received a jubilant welcome back in Somalia.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Africa’s top soccer referee, was barred from entering the U.S. after an 11‑hour interrogation, preventing him from officiating at the upcoming World Cup.
The United States denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, preventing him from officiating at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite his planned historic role.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali soccer referee slated to become the first from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was turned away at the U.S. border, raising questions about the impact of strict immigration policies on global sports events.