Africa-Press. Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali referee at the World Cup finals, has been removed from the list of officials after being barred from entering the United States.
Artan, who received the award for Best Referee in Africa for 2025 from the African Football Confederation (CAF), was denied entry at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
U.S. immigration authorities did not provide a reason for Artan’s deportation, but Somalia is among the countries included on the travel ban list imposed by the administration of former President Donald Trump. Following communication with U.S. authorities, FIFA announced that Artan would miss the tournament.
A statement read: “FIFA confirms that referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be able to officiate or referee at the 2026 World Cup after being barred from entering the United States.”
FIFA does not intervene in immigration procedures in the host country, including visa applications, and has been informed by authorities that Artan’s status will not change at this time.
In line with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is allowed entry into its territory. A senior advisor in the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed Artan’s denied entry, stating that he was traveling with valid documents.
An official at the Somali embassy in Nairobi stated that Artan’s diplomatic passport was issued specifically to facilitate his travel after he previously faced difficulties obtaining a visa. The Somali Football Federation has contacted FIFA requesting urgent clarification.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House task force for the World Cup, stated: “While I cannot delve into the details of the derogatory information, I assure you that the Customs and Border Protection decision was correct, and I support this decision.”
Artan was among 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate matches at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which will take place from June 11 to July 19.
Artan has officiated in the Somali Football League and received FIFA accreditation as a referee in 2018, having also officiated matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
