Somalia Minister Says FIFA Referee Omar Artan Poses No Security Threat | Dawan Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir, has dismissed allegations that FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan poses a security threat, saying the Somali government handled the matter through official diplomatic channels and that there is no evidence supporting such claims.

Speaking on Miizaan Podcast, of by Dawan Media, Abdulkadir said both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally responded to the issue, stressing that Somalia’s engagement extended beyond public statements.

“We responded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded. There are public statements, and there are official documents. The official documents that reached us were answered,” the minister said.

Abdulkadir rejected suggestions that Artan represents a security risk, describing him as a respected international referee who has earned global recognition through his professional achievements.