According to Corriere dello Sport, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a warm welcome from the public and officials in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I promise: I'll be there for the 2030 FIFA World Cup"

"I promise that, God willing, I will officiate the next FIFA World Cup, which will be held in 2030 in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco," Artan told the welcoming crowd at Aden Adde International Airport. Hundreds of people waved Somali flags in greeting.

"I hope the Somali people can find comfort in this and continue to have faith," the referee said. Police then escorted him to the airport VIP lounge, where he was met by the Somali Minister of Youth and Sports, Somali Football Federation officials, and other dignitaries.

Artan added: "It is the responsibility of each of us to preserve Somalia's reputation. Somalia belongs to us, whether the situation is difficult or not. That flag and that passport belong to us."