Giuliani claims Somali referee denied US entry was talking to 'bad people'

Andrew Giuliani, who heads the Trump administration's World Cup task force, claimed on Sunday that a Somali referee, Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup, had been in contact with 'very bad people.' Giuliani told CBS News that while classified information prevented further discussion, the alleged contact occurred immediately before Artan attempted to enter the U.S.

Artan had been issued a travel visa earlier this month and was expected to officiate in the World Cup. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited 'vetting concerns' as the reason for his denial of entry. FIFA issued a statement on Artan's behalf, asserting he was in a 'positive mood' and focused on his refereeing career, and that the organization played no role in the entry decision.

Artan received a welcome upon his return to Somalia, where he expressed his intention to attend the next World Cup. Giuliani also indicated that the U.S. extended a 'goodwill gesture' to the Iranian team to compete in the World Cup, noting that arrangements for their arrival were made to ensure the integrity of the team. The Iranian team is currently based in Tijuana, Mexico, after security concerns led them to abandon plans to stay in Tucson, Arizona. They are scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California.