Decision made on whether Omar Artan can referee matches in Canada and Mexico

The tournament starts tonight.

After making FIFA's final list for the upcoming tournament, the 34-year-old was due to become the first referee from Somalia to referee at a World Cup final, whilst widely being known as Africa's best referee.

Upon arrival to the States, he was interviewed for 11 hours by a border official, being questioned why he had travelled to the country, whilst being asked on Somali politics and militant groups, as per the New York Times.

It's understood that Artan presented his FIFA documentation and his single-entry visa, but was then directed to board a plane to Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to his home country.

Despite returning to Somalia, the referee has since been sent a World Cup invitation by Canadian politicians. David Eby, the political leader overseeing all seven fixtures in Vancouver, showed his hope to welcome Artan to Canada.

"Mr. Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he’s overcome and where he is today,” Eby stated on social media. “Let’s have him referee in Vancouver.”

The decision on Artan returning to ref

BBC Sport have explained why it isn't a possibility for Artan to ref World Cup games after being sent home.

Despite being welcome in Canada, referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has created a hub for the 52 referees and 88 assistant referees in Miami, United States.

All the officials have resultantly been told that they must stay in Florida, meaning Artan would not be able to attend.