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Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States.

It was not immediately clear why Artan was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, told AFP.

Artan had a valid visa for the US, Abshir said. He has flown back to Istanbul, where he has been staying.

“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir added.

2026 World Cup: African referee denied entry to US due to Trump’s order

The Brazilian Football Confederation on Monday released a statement regarding forward Neymar’s condition ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament this week.

Neymar’s World Cup hopes have been given a boost after Brazil announced that the 34-year-old was making “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.

The Santos forward was expected to be sidelined for between two and three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.

He had a further scan on Monday, and the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a brief statement: “The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.

“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”

Neymar has already missed Brazil’s two warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

World Cup 2026: Brazil releases statement on Neymar’s condition

New Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho, is eyeing two players from the Premier League.

Mourinho told senior officials at the Spanish club that the team’s defence is their weakness.

Marca reports that the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss wants to build a more solid, reliable defense with sufficient options to face a long season.

Mourinho strongly admires Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) and Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), as he wants a defense capable of adapting to different scenarios.

His idea involves combining full-backs with complementary profiles: one with a more attacking focus and the other with a stronger defensive presence, a formula that allows him to modify the team’s formation and roles according to the needs of each match.

LaLiga: Mourinho tells Real Madrid to sign two Premier League players