MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A Somali national who serves as a referee for the FIFA World Cup was denied entry into the United States after arriving at Miami International Airport over the weekend, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
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The traveler, who was not named by CBP, arrived Saturday on a flight from Istanbul International Airport and was referred for additional inspection, a routine process used by CBP officers to verify information and determine whether a person is admissible to the United States, authorities said.
After the inspection, CBP officers determined the individual was inadmissible and he was denied entry due to what the agency described as “vetting concerns.”
CBP officers did not provide additional details about the nature of those concerns.
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The agency emphasized that all travelers seeking entry into the U.S. — including athletes, coaches and sports officials — are subject to inspection and screening upon arrival.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” CBP officials said in a statement.
Under U.S. law, CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections and determine whether an individual is permitted to enter the country.
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