Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Alexander Cooley, Claire Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, explains that "we're seeing the Trump's administration adherence to hard-line immigration laws clash against the reality of what you need to stage a truly global event".

France and Germany said on Monday they had agreed to abandon a joint fighter jet programme due to disagreements between the companies involved, in a blow to European efforts to boost defence cooperation. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Jeanette Süß, Research Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations, explains that "France and Germany are characterised by totally different strategic cultures, totally different military cultures and also in their weapons systems".

Traditionally, international sports competitions are seen as a way of overlooking division and differences, and disregarding geopolitics tension - which is the reason why North Korea competes in the Olympics for example. But this year's World Cup is proving an exception. Residents of countries placed on a US travel restriction list are finding their attendance at the World Cup is not garanteed. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani explains.

Pope Leo on June 9 arrived in Barcelona where he will celebrate mass in the Sagrada Familia Basilica and bless the new tower that has made it the world's tallest church. It was completed after 144 years spent under construction. The Pope's visit coincides with the 100th year of its architect's death, architect Antoni Gaudi. FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson went to Barcelona to learn more about one of the world's most famous architects.

A Somali referee has been prevented from officiating at the World Cup after he was refused entry into the US. This comes as many fans having bought tickets for the competitions have also seen their visa demands refused, and Iran's football federation claims its ticket allocation was withdrawn days before kickoff. FRANCE 24's Angela Diffley looks at the impact of the US's travel restrictions and war in Iran on the competition.

The Nigerian army said on June 7 it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in the northeastern part of the country. The operation, according to the army’s statement, was conducted in the Mandara mountains which form a part of the militant group’s stronghold. It resulted in the release of several people, including children, who had been abducted across different communities in Borno.

Turning to Bolivia now, where conservative President Rodrigo Paz has moved closer to enacting a state of emergency that would allow the military to intervene in demonstrations. For weeks, protesters have constructed roadblocks and taken to the streets demanding the government to tackle Bolivia's worst economic crisis in decades. Some are urging Paz to step down. The unrest has driven up food and fuel prices, and resulted in a lack of basic goods.

France and Germany have agreed to scrap a landmark project to build a next generation fighter jet. The move is a setback for European defense cooperation at a time when leaders are pushing for greater military unity, amid increasing tension with the United States.

Donald Trump was the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals on June 8 in New York City. But the leader was booed by crowds in the heavily democratic city every time he was shown on screen. Attendees also had to wait in hour-long lines due to the heavy security system put in place for Trump's attendance.

The EU has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on deportations, which could take place before the summer. This despite worries that such talks could normalise the Taliban, on top of legal and human rights concerns about sending people back to the country. Critics say that by diplomatically engaging the Taliban, the EU is trading its soul for a migration deal.

The World Cup hasn't started yet, but there are already many disappointed fans. More than a quarter of the countries taking part in the tournament are facing travel restrictions of varying degrees to the US, meaning many people who already have tickets are having their visas refused. The restrictions are also affecting those taking part in the tournament, like a Somali referee whose visa was just refused by US customs officials.

US President Donald Trump was booed Monday as he appeared at Madison Square Garden in New York for game three of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs.

Human rights groups are raising the alarm after the European Commission invited Taliban officials to Brussels to discuss migrant deportations. More than 80 groups are asking the European Commission to reverse course, saying that the move risks normalizing a regime that has banned girls from school, and barred women from much of public life. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis speaks with Fawzia Koofi, former Vice President of Afghanistan's National Assembly. She says that inviting the Taliban 'sends the wrong signal to anyone that is using power as a means of suppression'.