Somali referee Omar Artan has returned home to a warm welcome in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, who was selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament, spoke publicly about the incident at a press conference in the Somali capital. The case has drawn widespread attention in Somalia, with football officials seeking clarification over the circumstances surrounding his denied entry. CGTN correspondent Mohamed Kahiye reports from Mogadishu.