Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first official from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been denied entry into the United States, a Somali sports ministry official has told AFP.
It remains unclear why Artan was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport, although Somalia is among several countries affected by a travel restriction list introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” said Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain.
Abshir confirmed that Artan held a valid US visa at the time of the incident and has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been based.
“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,” he added.
Artan was among 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the June–July World Cup finals to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
He has officiated in Somalia’s national league since becoming a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has also taken charge of matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
In 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named him Men’s Referee of the Year, recognising his growing influence on the continent.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, earlier praised Artan after his historic World Cup appointment, describing him as a symbol of national pride and inspiration.
“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,” the President said.
