How did the US justify denying entry to the Somali referee?

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US State Department Cited Association with Suspected Terrorist Organizations for Denying Entry to Somali Referee

A US State Department official stated that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States due to his association with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations. This alleged association rendered Artan ineligible for admission to the US, preventing him from participating in the World Cup as a referee.
Alleged Links to Terrorist Groups

The official explanation provided by the US State Department indicated that Omar Artan was deemed ineligible for entry because he was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations." This specific reason was given for the denial of his admission to the United States.
Impact on Referee's World Cup Participation

Artan, a 34-year-old referee selected by FIFA for the World Cup, was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport. This unexpected denial of entry occurred just before the tournament's commencement, effectively barring him from officiating in the global event despite his prior selection.
Referee's Rejection of Allegations and Outrage in Somalia

The referee has reportedly rejected these allegations, and the decision caused significant public outcry in Somalia. Upon his return to his home country, Artan was reportedly celebrated as a hero, underscoring the strong support he has within Somalia. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the unfortunate situation at the time, noting that such matters are not entirely within FIFA's control.

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How did the US justify denying entry to the Somali referee?

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