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US Bars Referee, Seattle Returns 20 World Cup Tickets

6/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Seattle’s African Youth Sports Academy returned its 20 World Cup round-of-16 tickets after U.S. officials barred referee Omar Artan from entering the country.
U.S. officials denied Artan entry at Miami International Airport despite his visa, alleging terror links without proof.
The tickets were reassigned to the Somali Health Board, another group that supports youth soccer.

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Story summary

Seattle’s African Youth Sports Academy returned its 20 World Cup round-of-16 tickets after U.S. officials barred referee Omar Artan from entering the country.
U.S. officials denied Artan entry at Miami International Airport despite his visa, alleging terror links without proof.
The tickets were reassigned to the Somali Health Board, another group that supports youth soccer.