"Omar Artan is one of Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community," Ciise Aden Abshir, an advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former captain of the national team, told AFP.
It is not clear why Artan was stopped from entering the country, but Somalia is one of several countries subject to a travel ban under President Donald Trump's administration. Abshir said Artan had a valid visa to the United States.
Artan was one of 52 referees the International Football Federation announced would officiate at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
