Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed years of covert cooperation with Somaliland during a visit by the breakaway region's president, while both sides denied reports of plans for an Israeli military base. Somaliland's Defense Minister confirmed Israel is providing police and military training.
Omar Artan, Africa's referee of the year, was barred from entering the United States for the 2026 World Cup due to alleged associations with terror organizations, according to U.S. officials. In response, UEFA announced he will officiate the prestigious European Super Cup final in August or September.
Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry to the United States after an 11-hour immigration interview in Miami despite holding proper documentation and visa. FIFA confirmed he will not work at the tournament, with reports indicating two Iraqi national team members also faced detention.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States has sparked multiple controversies, including FIFA's ban on pre-revolutionary Iranian flags at venues, U.S. immigration policies blocking Iranian officials and even a Somali referee from entering the country, and allegations that Iran's soccer system has been used for surveillance by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
