Kids' nonprofit in Seattle returns 20 free World Cup tickets over barring of Somali referee

[cbabe]

https://apnews.com/article/somali-referee-world-cup-tickets-returned-5a0f8ceaa118b04e3d3635eea75e0686

Kids’ nonprofit in Seattle returns 20 free World Cup tickets over barring of Somali referee

BY GENE JOHNSON
Updated 4:24 PM PDT, June 12, 2026

SEATTLE (AP) — Ali Abdulla was over the moon when he learned his youth-soccer nonprofit would receive 20 free tickets to the World Cup round of 16 match next month in Seattle. Many of the kids in his African Youth Sports Academy come from low-income, immigrant families, and with ticket prices hovering around $1,000, it was an incredible opportunity for them.

Then the U.S. barred Omar Artan — the first Somali referee set to officiate in the World Cup — from entering the country. Abdulla, himself a former semi-professional soccer player and Somali refugee, wanted to do something in solidarity, and first thought of giving up his position as a volunteer FIFA “ambassador.” But, he said, when he told parents and coaches about his decision, they suggested something even more significant: Give back the tickets.

“They all sent a message saying, ‘We feel heartbroken, we feel betrayed,’” Abdulla told The Associated Press on Friday. “We don’t feel right to go celebrate while the only person in the history of our country (selected to referee the World Cup) is feeling pain and disappointed.”

He added: “I felt so emotional when the parents said that, because to return a one-time opportunity for solidarity with our boy — that made me very proud to lead this organization.”

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[LakeVermilion]

1. For sure, the World Cup

offers many opportunities to make a statement against fascism.

[3catwoman3]

2. Bravo to these principled parents.

That must have been hard for them, knowing how much their kids would have loved to attend.