Somali referee Omar Artan was selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup, but according to recent reports, he has been denied entry and is therefore unable to take part as a referee.

One person alone is unlikely to change the decision of a government or FIFA. However, many important public discussions begin with a single person saying, "I believe this is wrong."

Regardless of political debates, sport should be based on merit. Those who have earned their place through qualification, hard work, and professional excellence should be given the opportunity to fulfill their role on the world's biggest football stage.

We call on the relevant authorities to:

• Reconsider Omar Artan's case,
• Provide transparent explanations for the decision that was made,
• and explore all possible options to ensure that qualified referees can participate in international tournaments regardless of their nationality or origin.

This petition is not directed against any country or government. It is a call for fairness, equal treatment, and the values that sport is supposed to represent.

The FIFA World Cup belongs to the whole world. Those who have earned their place should be allowed to take part.

Sign this petition if you believe that fairness in sport should matter more than political barriers.