Mogadishu (Somalia Today) — Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome after the United States denied him entry for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his bid to become the first Somali official to referee at football’s biggest tournament.
Artan landed at Aden Adde International Airport, where government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and members of the public gathered to welcome him upon his return from Istanbul.
Videos widely shared on social media showed crowds lining up to shake his hand, wave Somali flags, and offer support after a decision that has sparked anger and disappointment across Somalia.
“I promise you, Allah willing, that I will attend the next one,” Artan told supporters at the airport. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
A larger public reception was expected later at Mogadishu Stadium, where officials and football supporters planned to honour Artan and show solidarity with him after what many Somalis see as a painful national sporting setback.
A national milestone
Artan, named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, had been selected by FIFA among the match officials for the expanded World Cup, which opens this week in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
His selection drew pride in Somalia, where many saw it as a rare global breakthrough for a country whose football has struggled for decades with insecurity, weak infrastructure, and limited international exposure.
The Somali government said it had tried, without success, to negotiate with US authorities and FIFA to allow Artan to take part in the tournament.
“His international achievements are a source of honour and pride for the Somali people,” the Ministry of Youth and Sports said in a statement.
The Somali Football Federation said Artan’s appointment marked a milestone for the country and reflected “years of dedication, professionalism and integrity”.
It said it had not received an official explanation for the US decision and was working with FIFA and relevant authorities to understand the circumstances.
Artan, who held a valid visa, spoke at Istanbul airport before boarding his flight back to Somalia and said he remained in good spirits despite losing the chance to officiate at the World Cup.
“I feel very good now,” he said. “I wanted to thank FIFA for supporting me all the way and the Somali people also.”
In a separate statement, Artan said he was focused on the next stage of his refereeing career.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood, and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said.
“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.”
‘Security concerns’
US Customs and Border Protection said a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was referred for additional inspection, after which officers deemed him inadmissible due to vetting concerns.
The agency did not identify Artan in its initial statement, but FIFA later confirmed he was the match official affected.
A Trump administration official later said US authorities had found “derogatory information” including alleged association with “suspected members of terror organisations”.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity and did not publicly provide evidence to support the allegation.
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country, full stop,” the official said.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott defended the decision and said US law applied regardless of a traveller’s profession.
“I don’t really care what you do for a living,” Scott said. “The law is still the law.”
“If you don’t meet the qualifications to come into the country, we’re not letting you in just because we want you to referee a game.”
The case has sharpened concern over US immigration policy ahead of the World Cup.
Washington last year imposed a sweeping travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia, while other restrictions have raised questions about access for some fans, officials and delegations.
‘Status will not change’
FIFA said Artan would no longer be able to train or officiate at the tournament because match officials are based in Miami for preparation and logistics.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
The decision also ruled Artan out of matches in Mexico and Canada, as referees and assistant referees must remain at the Miami training hub during the tournament.
It was not clear which match or matches Artan would have handled, as FIFA usually announces refereeing appointments only two or three days before games.
Artan became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has officiated at major African competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and continental club matches.
His rise made him one of Somalia’s most prominent sporting figures, and his World Cup selection had carried symbolic weight in a country still rebuilding its institutions after decades of conflict.
For many supporters who gathered in Mogadishu, his return was not a defeat but a show of national recognition.
One supporter at the airport said the crowd had come to show that Artan had already made history.
“He carried Somalia’s name to the world,” the supporter said. “That is why people came here today.”
