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Barred 2026 World Cup Referee Omar Artan Speaks Out as FIFA Issue Statement

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FIFA have released a statement after Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals, was controversially denied entry to the United States.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on Monday that Artan, the 2005 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year, “was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry”.

The match official, who has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations, was barred from entering the USA at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.

Per BBC Sport, US immigration authorities have not provided a reason for denying Artan’s admission into the USA. However, Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.

In December 2025, per BBC News, Trump described Somalia as “about the worst country in the world”.

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FIFA Release Statement

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Football’s world governing body FIFA have confirmed Artan will now miss this summer’s showpiece international tournament after speaking to US authorities.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the statement reads.

“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.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”


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Artan Issues Statement

Meanwhile, Artan has spoken out after being turned away from the United States, days before the tournament gets underway. Mexico and South Africa kick the 2026 World Cup off on Thursday night. The tournament will conclude with the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19.

“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” Artan said, per Sky News correspondent Rob Harris.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

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Arsenal Make Contact to Sign Juventus Star Kenan Yildiz

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Arsenal have made contact over a big-money deal to sign a top attacking star for Mikel Arteta this summer, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners are looking to continue their dominance next season after lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years, while they also reached the Carabao Cup and Champions League finals, losing to Man City and PSG respectively.

Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad to maintain their upward trajectory, and turn the side into a dynasty rather than a one-off season of success, and attacking reinforcements are being targeted.

Juventus attacker Kenen Yildiz Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have made contact with Juventus over a move to sign 21-year-old sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Yildiz, who has been described as a ‘future Ballon d’Or winner’, recently signed a new contract at the Allianz Stadium, with the Serie A giants keen to keep their prized asset for the long-term.

But Arsenal enquired about his availability in their hunt for a new left-winger, as Arteta looks to add young players with a high ceiling who are good enough to make an immediate impact on the squad.

Juventus told the north London side that there are no conditions that would see them sanction a sale, however, and the Gunners have since moved on to other targets for the position.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, while forward Gabriel Jesus is also expected to depart as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

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Yildiz Would Have Been Perfect Arsenal Signing

Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz has developed into one of the very best young forwards in Europe, and he is set to star at the World Cup as part of the Turkish national team this summer.

Juventus know the talent that they have on their hands at the moment, and it’s no surprise that they will be doing everything to keep him. But it should also be encouraging for Arsenal fans that the club are looking at players like this to come into their team, despite the season they have just had.

His technical quality, eye for goal, creativity and skill would have made him a perfect addition to the squad on the left-wing. Juventus are standing firm for now, but if that situation changes, then Arsenal are likely to be well-placed to get a deal over the line.


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Fan Footage Shows True Reception Donald Trump Got at Knicks vs Spurs Game

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Donald Trump was heavily booed when he appeared on the big screen as he became the first sitting US President to attend the NBA Finals.

Trump attended Madison Square Garden on Monday night to watch the New York Knicks succumb to a Victor Wembanyama-inspired 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Finals, cutting their series lead to 2-1.

Trump’s decision to attend the game caused major disruptions to ticket holders as security restrictions were increased and queues to just get into the iconic Garden stretched for more than two blocks.

Trump was not the only politician in attendance, as New York mayor Zohran Mamdani also attended the game.

The US President was in attendance with his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan. He also sat with a number of his cabinet, including transportation secretary Sean Duffy and interior secretary Doug Burgem.


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While the disruptions caused by his appearance will have played a part in the catcalling, Trump has always had a shaky relationship with his hometown of New York, who has notoriously voted Democrat in every election since 1984.

Video: Donald Trump’s Reception

Trump’s appearance was not the only controversial part of the night, as many fans were priced out of Game 3 of the Finals, with resale tickets being put on sale for up to $100,000 with regular season tickets ranking among the most expensive in the league.

This has been a season to remember for Knicks fans, as this series is the first NBA Finals for them since 1999 after decades of disappointment and poor performances in the regular season. The Knicks have not won a chip since 1973 and while fan watch parties were cancelled due to Trump’s appearance, supporters gathered around laptops on the streets around the Garden and celebrated every point won by the hosts.

San Antonio Spurs Cut NBA Finals Deficit in Half

Victor Wembanyama-2 Imagn

Celebrations were subdued by the end of the game, however, as Victor Wembanyama put on a first-class performance and scored 32 points, making up for the several errors he made in Game 2. He was supported by Stephon Castle, who picked up 23 points himself and stopped the Spurs going 3-0 down. No team has ever recovered that much of a deficit in the Finals.

While the Spurs were 64-57 down at half-time, an impressive third quarter display of 35 team points turned the fixture on its head.

The series will continue on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden before the teams return to San Antonio on Saturday, which could be a night to remember for Knicks fans if they can win the next two games and pick up their first championship in over 50 years.

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Man Utd Eyeing Surprise Deal to Sign Leeds Star Karl Darlow

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Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move to sign Leeds star Karl Darlow this summer, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils are in the market to bolster their squad after securing a third-place finish in the Premier League, meaning they will be playing Champions League football in the 2026/27 campaign under new manager Michael Carrick.

But while midfield is the priority position to strengthen, with a deal for Ederson already in place, the club are also keen to strengthen in goal too amid question marks over a number of players.

Man Utd Eyeing Surprise Karl Darlow Deal

karl darlow

Darlow, who has been described as ‘outstanding’, enjoyed a fine campaign at Elland Road in 2025/26 as he dislodged summer signing Lucas Perri as the number one goalkeeper and helped keep the team in the Premier League.

The veteran stopper is out of contract this summer, and Leeds are expected to offer him a new deal to keep him at the club following his performances. But it has now emerged that they will face stiff competition from their fierce historical rivals.

Man Utd are looking to bring in a back-up goalkeeper for Senne Lammens, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both expected to leave the club permanently, while third-choice option Tom Heaton has signed a one-year extension at Old Trafford.

Darlow would count towards United’s homegrown quota, which is part of the reason behind their interest, but his experience and performances in the most recent campaign mean that he would be trusted to step in for Lammens if it were necessary at any point.

Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the 35-year-old, but no final decision has been made on his future as things stand.

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Darlow Deal Would Be a Shock

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

Man Utd know they need to bring in a backup goalkeeper, but they’re in a difficult position where their current number one is young and still developing.

Usually it’s a position where you bring in someone young to learn from your top option who would be in their prime, but United will now have to work backwards and have more experienced options in reserve to help his development, and also provide solid competition and depth.

Darlow has proven he is more than capable of playing regularly in the Premier League, and on a free transfer, while it would be a major surprise, it would be shrewd business to bring him in this summer.


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