Olympic chief ‘confident’ LA Games will not repeat World Cup referee fiasco

Kirsty Coventry: IOC will have taskforce for any issues Referee Omar Artan refused entry by US officials The International Olympic Committee insists it is “confident” that the LA Games in 2028 will not face the same immigration issues that have marred the buildup to the World Cup – including Africa’s top referee, Omar Artan, from Somalia being refused entry by US officials. Despite Fifa’s close relationship with the Trump administration, it was also unable to stop Iran being moved from a training camp in Arizona to Mexico and some of its officials being denied entry visas. Continue reading...

Sean Ingle · Wed, Jun 10, 2026, 11:24 AM
US news | The Guardian

Olympic chief ‘confident’ LA Games will not repeat World Cup referee fiasco

Kirsty Coventry: IOC will have taskforce for any issues
Referee Omar Artan refused entry by US officials

The International Olympic Committee insists it is “confident” that the LA Games in 2028 will not face the same immigration issues that have marred the buildup to the World Cup – including Africa’s top referee, Omar Artan, from Somalia being refused entry by US officials.

Despite Fifa’s close relationship with the Trump administration, it was also unable to stop Iran being moved from a training camp in Arizona to Mexico and some of its officials being denied entry visas.

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