Seattle Kids Return Tickets for Somali Referee

A Seattle youth soccer nonprofit stunned fans by returning $20,000 in World Cup tickets to protest the U.S. government’s denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan—Africa’s top male referee in 2025—sparking outrage among kids from immigrant families who saw the tickets as a once-in-a-lifetime dream. Led by Ali Abdulla, the group chose solidarity over spectacle, calling the decision “heartbreaking” but morally right. Artan, detained for 11 hours without evidence, was deported despite having a visa and later officiated a UEFA match. The tickets were redirected to the Somali Health Board, while Abdulla now channels energy into the annual Somali Week tournament—a celebration of unity through soccer. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5b5548a5254755c3