Somali referee Omar Artan couldn't enter the United States on arrival at Miami International Airport this week. Somalia sits on President Donald Trump's new travel ban list.
Artan held a valid US visa at the time. He's since returned to Istanbul, where he'd been based.
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor at Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, defended the official in strong terms. "Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community," Abshir told AFP.
Barring Artan from America sabotages more than his career alone. According to Abshir, it "undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play."
Artan was scheduled to officiate matches during his US visit. The ban now prevents him from taking those assignments.
