Seattle youth soccer group returns World Cup tickets for denied referee
The Seattle Times • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
A youth soccer group from the Seattle area is returning 20 free tickets to a FIFA Men’s World Cup match. This action is taken in solidarity with a Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States. The group focuses on supporting African youths and aims to highlight the issue of entry restrictions that affect international personnel in sports. The ticket return reflects a broader commitment to advocacy and support for colleagues facing challenges in their roles.
- •A Seattle-area youth soccer group is involved.
- •20 tickets will be returned to a World Cup match.
- •The action supports a Somali referee denied U.S. entry.
- •The group aims to support African youth involvement in soccer.
- •This incident draws attention to visa restrictions for international sports officials.
- 5:00 PMThe Seattle Times — Seattle group returns free World Cup tickets after Somali referee denied U.S. entry - The Seattle Times
"A Seattle-area youth soccer group is returning 20 free tickets to a FIFA Men’s World Cup match, in solidarity with a Somali referee denied entry to the U.S.
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