Patrice Motsepe helped a Somali referee barred from the World Cup land the UEFA Super Cup instead
Billionaires Africa | 12.06.2026 01:43
Omar Artan flew into Miami International Airport last week to take his place among the FIFA World Cup 2026 match officials. He had been selected by FIFA as one of the tournament's referees, a recognition that confirmed his standing among the world's best. US Customs and Border Protection turned him away at the gate. A State Department official told AFP that Artan was associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations and was therefore ineligible for admission to the United States. FIFA confirmed he would no longer be part of the World Cup. He flew back to Somalia.
