Miami (Somalia Today) — US authorities have denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry to the United States over “vetting concerns”, FIFA said, ending his chance to become the first official from his country to work at a World Cup finals.
Artan, one of Africa’s top referees, was stopped at Miami International Airport after travelling from Istanbul ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins on Thursday in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“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,” the world football body said in a statement.
“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.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
A senior Somali sports official earlier told AFP that Artan had held a valid US visa before he was turned back and returned to Istanbul, where he had been staying.
US authorities did not link the decision directly to Washington’s travel restrictions, but Somalia is among several countries placed under a travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
‘Vetting concerns’
US Customs and Border Protection said Artan underwent additional checks after arriving in Miami.
“During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said.
“Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”
CBP said it made admissibility decisions on a case-by-case basis.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” it said.
“CBP officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law.”
The decision raises fresh scrutiny over how US immigration rules will affect the World Cup, which is expected to bring thousands of players, officials, journalists and supporters from around the world.
The Trump administration’s travel restrictions include exemptions connected to major sporting events, but Artan’s case suggests that officials can still face separate admissibility checks at the border.
‘Positive mood’
Artan struck a calm tone after FIFA confirmed he would miss the tournament.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood, and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said in a statement.
“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support, and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” he added.
“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup, and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”
Artan became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 after working in Somalia’s domestic league. He later built his reputation through African and international competitions, including CAF tournaments.
In 2025, the Confederation of African Football named him men’s referee of the year, one of the highest honours for an African match official.
FIFA had named him among 52 referees selected for the expanded 48-team World Cup, alongside 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials.
Historic blow
For Somalia, Artan’s selection had carried meaning far beyond refereeing.
The country has never qualified for the World Cup, and its football structures have struggled for decades with conflict, poor facilities and limited international exposure.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April after FIFA confirmed his selection, calling him “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar,” Mohamud said at the time.
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said the decision harmed both Artan and football’s wider values.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir told AFP.
“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.
