• •A US official stated Tuesday that referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the country ahead of the tournament
• •Admission was refused based on findings of association with suspected members of terror organizations
• •Specifics regarding which organizations are involved or the nature of the alleged associations remain undisclosed

U.S. officials confirmed Tuesday night that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the country ahead of the FIFA World Cup. According to ESPN, the decision was based on internal findings regarding Artan’s associations with individuals suspected of links to terror organizations. Details confirming the depth of these alleged connections have not been released by authorities. The refusal highlights the rigorous security screenings governing international sports events and leaves questions about how governing bodies will vet officials in the future.