Top Somali football referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States this week, adding to a growing list of visa-related complications and entry denials for athletes and officials participating in the FIFA World Cup. The incident has intensified criticism of the US government's immigration enforcement practices and their impact on international sporting events.

Artan, 34, was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. However, his journey ended at Miami airport, where he was denied entry and subsequently flown back to Istanbul. This occurred despite him possessing a valid US visa and all necessary documentation. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Artan was "determined to be inadmissible" due to "vetting concerns."

International sports lawyer Khayran Noor told Al Jazeera that human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about US immigration enforcement. Noor highlighted that while these issues are distinct from football, they become highly relevant when the US hosts a major global event like the World Cup. She emphasized that such events depend not only on logistics and security but also on the overall atmosphere and public perception.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for a "massive rethink" of US immigration policies. He expressed hope that issues such as racial profiling, surveillance, and immigration enforcement would not negatively impact the World Cup, as they have done in other contexts. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday and will feature 48 nations over 39 days.

Artan's situation has reignited discussions about geopolitics and potential racism being masked by US visa denials. Although Artan returned to his home country on Wednesday to a positive reception and maintained a positive outlook, his experience underscores broader concerns. The incident follows delays in visa processing for the Iranian squad and reports of fans from countries like Morocco and Scotland having their travel documents denied or revoked shortly before their planned travel.

Fans who had invested significant amounts in flights, hotels, and tickets for the tournament have also faced similar obstacles. These issues have cast a shadow over the lead-up to the World Cup, which is reportedly the most expensive in history. The widespread nature of these denials and delays raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the US vetting process for international visitors, especially those involved in high-profile global events.

The complexities surrounding visa approvals and rejections highlight the delicate balance between national security concerns and the inclusive spirit required for international sporting gatherings. Experts suggest that such bureaucratic hurdles can undermine the goodwill and celebratory atmosphere essential for the success of a global tournament.

Further scrutiny is expected regarding the specific criteria used for inadmissibility determinations and whether they disproportionately affect individuals from certain regions or backgrounds. The US government's response to these criticisms and any potential adjustments to its immigration policies in light of these events will be closely watched.