FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan deported ahead of 2026 World Cup

The article examines the long‑standing links between football, economics and politics, tracing FIFA’s growth from João Havelange’s presidency through Gianni Infantino’s era and the organization’s expanding commercial and political influence.

It notes that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was deported from the United States and therefore could not officiate at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting a concrete example of how political decisions intersect with the sport’s global events.