The African referee, Omar Artan, selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, U.S., but denied entry by the American government, received a heroic welcome on return to his home country, Somalia.

Football lovers, colleagues, friends and well-wishers gathered at the airport to cheer, lift his spirit, and celebrate Artan on arrival at the Mogadishu airport.

The reception meant a lot to Omar Artan, the Mogadishu episode reinforced his confidence that Africa and Somalians hold him in reputation.