India, June 14 -- Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly blocked from entering the United States, preventing him from officiating at the World Cup, after immigration authorities at Miami International Airport detained him for questioning for around 11 hours. Despite carrying a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa, he was ultimately denied entry following scrutiny over alleged links raised by officials.

A US government source claimed the decision was linked to concerns over his supposed association with individuals tied to terror groups, an allegation Artan firmly denied, saying he had no connection to any militant organisation, including Al Shabab, which he was also questioned about during the process. Although he will not ta...