New Delhi, June 9 -- Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee, was on Monday denied entry to the United States for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Had he taken part in officiating duties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Artan would have become the first-ever Somali referee to have done so.

Despite having possessed a valid visa and a passport, Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States due to "vetting concerns".

"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility," a spokesperson of US Customs and Border Protection was quoted as saying by CNN.

"Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for th...