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Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is barred from officiating at 2026 FIFA World Cup after US border officials deny him entry, citing vetting concerns, sparking Somali criticism
Omar Abdulkadir Artan during the during the CAF Champions League final (AP)
Award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been ruled out of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, dealing a major blow to a career milestone that would have seen him become the first Somali referee to take charge of a match at football’s biggest tournament.
Artan, who was among the 52 officials selected by FIFA for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday but was refused entry by U.S. authorities. FIFA confirmed on Monday that this decision means he will play no role in the competition.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson told AFP.
The governing body stressed that immigration decisions rest entirely with host nations and are outside FIFA’s control.
“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.”
United States Customs and Border Protection said Artan underwent routine screening before being denied entry.
“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.”
The agency later added: “Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.”
Artan’s exclusion has sparked disappointment in Somalia. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, described the referee as one of Africa’s finest officials.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir said.
“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.
Omar Abdulkadir Astan Credentials
Artan has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018 and officiated at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. In 2025, he was named the Confederation of African Football’s men’s referee of the year. Earlier this year, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed his World Cup appointment as a landmark achievement for Somali sport.
“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 inputs from Agencies)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
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