Tuesday June 9, 2026 U.S. authorities over the weekend barred Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from entering the country, derailing plans for him to become the first Somali official to work a World Cup match. A FIFA spokesperson said Monday that Artan will not be able to attend the training and officiating program for the tournament, which begins Thursday, after he was denied entry into the United States. "FIFA is ​not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has ​been…

Tuesday June 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports voiced deep regret Tuesday after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was barred from entering the United States just as he was expected to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement, the ministry said the Somali government is closely following Artan’s case and is pursuing diplomatic channels in search of a swift resolution. The ministry said it is working with relevant agencies, describing Artan as a symbol of the progress made by Somali…

A recent analysis highlights that Nigerians have invested tens of millions of dollars in U.S. visa fees over a two-year span, even as the number of visas granted has significantly decreased. According to the data, over 200,000 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians in the period between 2023 and 2024, with a majority attributed to business and tourism purposes. Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye, pointed to cultural influences as a key driver behind…

Tuesday June 9, 2026 The United States has denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, blocking him from traveling to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. / AFP The Somali Football Federation said on Tuesday it was deeply disappointed after international referee Omar Artan was refused entry to the US, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The federation said it had not been given any formal explanation for the decision, but urged restraint until the full circumstances are known. “We acknowledge the…

The Liberian government has officially lodged a complaint with Nigeria, taking issue with contentious predictions made by Nigerian cleric Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele. The pastor has frequently cautioned of an imminent economic and governance crisis looming over President Joseph Boakai’s administration. In its formal grievance, the Liberian government deemed Ayodele's statements as an inappropriate interference in the country's sovereign matters. They have urged Nigerian officials to reconsider the situation and enact…

Tuesday June 9, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Concerns over secrecy at the ballot box and outside interference surfaced on Monday as two candidates in the Southwest State presidential race formally complained to the electoral commission about the conduct of the upcoming vote. Former Southwest President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden and Dr. Abdiasis Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari said they had received reports that some lawmakers were being told to take photographs of their ballot papers and show how they voted. The pair said such an…

Emergency response efforts are being jeopardized as aid officials report a troubling surge in prank calls and the spread of counterfeit flood videos. These disruptions are deterring essential rescue operations and misallocating critical resources needed for those genuinely affected by the floods. The alarming announcement was made by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, highlighting the severe implications of such irresponsible behavior during a crisis. The regional minister underscored that this situation hinders the work…

By Aki NaceTuesday June 9, 2026 A Somali-born immigrant in Minnesota is among 17 people the Trump administration is pursuing in its newest denaturalization drive. The U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota on Wednesday filed a civil denaturalization complaint against Abdikadir Kadiye. The case accuses him of multiple violations, including illegal procurement of naturalization and obtaining citizenship by concealing a material fact. Starting in 1997, Kadiye tried to enter the United States by filing two separate…

Tuesday June 9, 2026 For Somalia, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a mixed stage of pride and frustration: while the national team is absent, five people of Somali heritage are still set to feature in football’s showcase event as players and officials. (Photo: Handout) Miami, US – (AX) — Somalia’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be felt in two very different ways. Several players with Somali roots are preparing to take part in the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while Somali referee Omar…

In a significant setback for the sport, Somali referee Omar Artan, poised to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been excluded from the upcoming 2026 tournament following an incident at Miami International Airport. Artan, who earned recognition as the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, was traveling with valid credentials, including a diplomatic passport intended to streamline his earlier visa issues. However, FIFA has confirmed that he will not participate in the tournament,…