A Somali referee selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been denied entry into the United States, ending what would have been a historic milestone for both him and his country.
Omar Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top football officials, was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. His appointment was confirmed by FIFA two months ago after a successful career that saw him named Africa’s Best Male Referee in 2025.
However, Artan was stopped upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday and was subsequently denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The agency cited unspecified “vetting concerns” but did not provide further details.
The decision has sparked international attention because Artan possessed a valid U.S. visa issued only days before his departure and was traveling to join other World Cup referees at FIFA’s training base in Miami ahead of the tournament.
According to reports, Artan was questioned for approximately 11 hours by U.S. border officials. He told The New York Times that he was asked about Somali politics, the al-Shabab militant group, and the purpose of his visit. Artan said he provided FIFA documents and evidence of his refereeing career but was ultimately placed in a holding cell before being deported to Turkey, where he had boarded his connecting flight.
“I think that they have a problem with my country,” Artan reportedly said, noting that he had all the required travel documentation and was never informed of the specific reason for his refusal.
The incident comes amid expanded travel restrictions introduced by the Trump administration, which affect nearly 40 countries, including Somalia. The policy has raised concerns about whether athletes, officials, and supporters from affected nations could face difficulties entering the United States despite holding valid visas.
White House FIFA Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani defended the decision, saying Artan was denied entry for a “very good reason,” though he declined to elaborate further.
CBP stated that all travelers, including World Cup players, coaches, officials, and staff, are subject to inspection and vetting upon arrival. The agency emphasized that admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using national security, law enforcement, and immigration information available at the time.
Following confirmation that Artan would not be allowed into the country, FIFA removed him from the tournament’s officiating roster.
The governing body said it was informed by U.S. authorities that Artan’s immigration status would not change in time for the competition. FIFA stressed that host governments have final authority over visa approvals and entry decisions, even for officials selected to participate in international tournaments.
Despite the setback, Artan remained optimistic in a statement released through FIFA.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said.
The Somalia Youth and Sports Ministry has since announced efforts to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels, while Somali officials have suggested the decision may be linked to broader travel restrictions rather than any allegation against Artan personally.
The referee’s exclusion is particularly significant given his remarkable rise from a country affected by decades of conflict and insecurity. In a recent interview, Artan described overcoming challenges in Mogadishu, including adjusting his training routes because of explosions and security threats.
Earlier this year, he officiated the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, one of the most prestigious matches in African football, further cementing his reputation among the continent’s elite referees.
What was expected to be a groundbreaking moment for Somali football instead became a controversy surrounding immigration policy, international sport, and the challenges facing global events hosted in countries with strict border controls.
