The top referee from Somalia who will officiate the World Cup matches has been denied entry to the US – National
The World Cup referee from Somalia, who was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami and cut off by FIFA from the tournament, was about to make history in his country.
Omar Artan would become the first Somali referee to officiate at the World Cup after making the final FIFA shortlist for the tournament, which was announced two months ago. He is one of the best referees in Africa and has been named the best male referee on the continent in 2025.
He was denied entry to Miami International Airport on Saturday due to an “examination concern,” US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement without providing details of the concern. Artan was granted a visa to visit the US last week, according to the Somali Embassy in Kenya who is processing it.
The move to deny a FIFA-appointed match official entry to a World Cup host country is extremely rare. Artan was supposed to meet with other World Cup referees at their training facility in Miami.
Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said on Tuesday it had not been told why Artan was denied entry and that its embassy in the US was making efforts to resolve the issue and still allow Artan to be a referee at the World Cup, which opens on Thursday.
Somalia is one of the countries that were hit with new travel restrictions last year under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. That has caused concern that fans, players and officials of these countries – most of whom are African – may be denied entry to the World Cup because of the high pressure despite having valid visas.
“When Customs and Border Protection said that Omar Artan was found ineligible due to the investigation of complaints without specifying the reason, it may have to do with those extensive investigation measures rather than any allegations against him,” Isse Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to the Somali Ministry of Sports and a former captain of the national team, told the Associated Press.
Artan faces ‘more scrutiny’
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“During processing, the traveler underwent an additional inspection, which is part of CBP’s inspection program where officials need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in a statement Monday. “After screening, the traveler, who is a FIFA World Cup referee, was determined not to be admitted due to screening issues and was refused entry.”
It did not mention Artan’s name and only referred to a Somali who is a World Cup referee. Artan is the only Somali referee selected for the tournament.
CBP said all travelers seeking to enter the US — including World Cup players, coaches and staff — are subject to CBP screening and inspection.
“Admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available during the inspection,” CBP said in a statement. “CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, inspect, and determine admissibility in accordance with US law.”
FIFA drops reference to World Cup
FIFA said it was not involved in immigration proceedings and was informed by US authorities that “Artan’s status cannot be changed at this time.” It said that Artan will not be able to train and be the manager of the World Cup.
“In line with previous FIFA events, the participating government ultimately decides who receives a visa and who is admitted to their country,” FIFA said.
Nevertheless, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino have forged close ties with the administration of US President Donald Trump as the US prepares to host Mexico and Canada, and have publicly emphasized how that will help the World Cup run smoothly.
Infantino did not immediately comment on the matter, while FIFA issued a statement on Artan’s behalf.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in good shape and focused on the next challenges in my career as a referee,” said Artan in a statement. “I would like to thank FIFA and (the confederation of African football) for their support and I promise to keep the referees at a high level as I focus on the future.
“I want to thank the football family for their messages and I wish my teammates the best of luck during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in the upcoming tournaments.”
He was going to make history in Somalia
Artan has been hailed as one of the best referees in Africa and refereed the final leg of the African Champions League last month – Africa’s biggest club football competition.
He spoke in a recent interview with the Al Jazeera television channel about how he was honored to be chosen to be the first Somali to referee the World Cup and how he faced the challenges in his conflict-ridden country in East Africa, including sometimes changing his way to training due to explosions on the streets of the capital, Mogadishu.
“You can’t quit as a referee,” Artan said in an interview. This (going to the World Cup) was my main goal, and I am very happy.”
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