Omar Artan arrived at a United States port of entry with what he describes as the right papers and the right visa. The Somali referee was there to work the World Cup. He left without being let in.
Artan says immigration officials held him for eleven hours of questioning before ultimately denying him entry. He has not detailed the specific reasons given to him, but his account points to a process that went far beyond a routine check at the border.
His situation raises real questions about access and fairness for African football officials at one of the sport's biggest stages. A referee cleared to work a World Cup is not a casual traveler. The vetting behind that appointment is extensive, which makes the eleven-hour hold and the eventual refusal all the more striking.
What happens next for Artan, and whether FIFA or the relevant football bodies will push back on his behalf, is the part of this story still being written.
Originally published by BBC Africa.