Somali referee set to officiate at World Cup is dropped after being denied entry to US

AWARD-WINNING SOMALI REFEREE Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States.

A Fifa spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the World Cup.

Artan would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the spokesperson said. 

World football’s governing body emphasised that it was powerless to influence the decision, which it said was down to the US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico. 

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the spokesperson said.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

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A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.

“During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the CBP spokesperson said.

“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by US president Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

In a statement to AFP, Artan said he wanted to concentrate on the future.

“Despite the circumstances I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

Valid visa

Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US. The tournament kicks off on Thursday.

He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since he became a Fifa referee in 2018, and refereed in the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Last year, he was named by the Confederation of African Football as men’s referee of the year.

A government adviser in Mogadishu told AFP earlier Monday that Artan had a valid visa for the US.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said.

Abshir said Artan flew back to Istanbul after being refused entry in Miami.

“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir added.

In April, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan after he made history as the first Somali to be selected to officiate at the World Cup finals.

“I commend the effort, professionalism and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” said Mohamud.

With reporting from © AFP 2026 

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