Somali referee Omar Artan has received backing from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and British Columbia Premier David Eby, both of whom are pushing for him to officiate FIFA World Cup matches in Canada following his denial of entry into the U.S. and subsequent return home.

Artan was poised to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, having been named to the tournament's final officiating list. However, despite assurances from the Somali embassy that a visa had been secured, he was turned away at Miami International Airport.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited concerns regarding Artan's vetting process during his interview, yet he returned home to a hero's welcome despite having his World Cup dream shattered. Canadian officials are now stepping up to offer him an opportunity to officiate, as per The Mirror US.

Vancouver is scheduled to host seven FIFA World Cup matches, while Toronto will stage six games throughout the tournament. Although the officiating roster has already been finalized, both Eby and Chow are determined to find a resolution for Artan.

"Mr. Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he's overcome and where he is today," Eby wrote on X. "Let's have him referee in Vancouver."

Ontario Opposition Leader Marit Stiles echoed Eby's sentiments, posting on social media, "Omar Artan earned his place on the world stage. With matches coming to Toronto, let's make sure he is welcomed to referee at BMO Field."

The gesture was also echoed by Chow, who released a statement following the U.S. denial of Artan's entry. "Denying entry to Omar Artan, who has earned his place on the world stage through hard work and perseverance, is not right," she said.

"Toronto believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine. He would be welcome to referee here in our city. I will be writing to FIFA to let them know he is welcome to referee here."

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Despite the advocacy of Canadian officials, only the federal government holds the authority to determine who may enter the country. As things stand, Artan has returned home after being detained at Miami International Airport before being sent back.

The Somali embassy in Kenya claimed that Artan had been issued a visa to travel to the U.S. the previous week. Somalia is among the nations currently subject to new travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.

Following 11 hours of detention and questioning, Artan was refused entry. This occurred despite him presenting his FIFA documentation, evidence of his officiating career, and the visa he had been granted.

"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility," the CBP said in its statement.

"Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."

The CBP also made it clear that investigation and vetting processes would apply to all travelers.

"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law."

Source: Alloutsoccer.com