Somali referee Omar Artan is dropped from World Cup after US denies entry in Miami

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, is defending the decision to bar U.S. entry to Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, saying he was talking to "very bad people."

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was questioned for 11 hours at Miami International Airport over alleged links to militant group Al-Shabaab.

Omar Artan, who was named Africa's best male referee in 2025, was denied entry into the United States to work the World Cup earlier this month.

Omar Artan was barred from entering the U.S. at Miami International Airport after he was selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the US earlier this week

Full tournament salary will be paid to Somali referee Omar Artan by FIFA after his entry into the US was refused by border officials over "association with suspected membres of terror organisations".

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full pay as a World Cup referee despite the United States blocking his entry into the country. Artan had to fly home after officials in the US, which is co-hosting the football tournament with Mexico and Canada, said he had an "association with suspected members of terror organizations.

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full World Cup remuneration despite being barred from entering the United States to officiate at the tournament. The post FIFA to pay Somali referee Artan full World Cup fee despite US entry denial appeared first on Vanguard News.

Omar Artan, who was named Africa’s best FIFA official in 2025, was turned away at the Miami airport as the players he may have officiated were waved through. The post The U.S. turning away a Somali referee was an awful start to the World Cup appeared first on MS NOW.

The referee was denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup after being selected by FIFA.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his tournament fee from Fifa in full.

World Cup 2026: Somali referee denied entry by US will officiate Uefa Super Cup final Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 06/11/2026 - 15:35 Omar Artan will take charge of the prestigious fixture between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the US to officiate at the World Cup (AFP/Khaled Desouki) Off Uefa has announced that Omar Artan, the Somali referee denied entry into the US for the World Cup, will take charge of the Super Cup final later this summer.  Fifa, world football’s governing body, removed Artan from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster after American authorities denied him entry into the country, ending what would have been the first World Cup finals appearance by a Somali match official. Artan, the Confederation of African Football's men's referee of the year in 2025, was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport. Europe’s governing body, Uefa, announced on Thursday that Artan would now take charge of Aston Villa versus Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg, Austria, on 12 August.  The Super Cup is the annual match between the winners of Europe’s top two competitions, the Champions League and the Europa League.  US President Donald Trump’s administration said on Tuesday that Artan was denied entry into the country to officiate at the World Cup due to having links to “suspected members of terror organisations”. It did not provide further evidence of the claim.  “What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me,” Artan said upon his return to a hero’s welcome in Somalia on Wednesday.  “I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be,” he added. “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one [World Cup]… I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.” 'Not safe from Ice raids' In a statement Fifa said that, after discussions with US authorities, Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament. The governing body, which organises football events all over the world, said that it is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications. Artan was one of 52 referees selected by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Fifa drops Somali referee from World Cup after US denies entry Read More » A Fifa referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and in Somalia's national league competitions. Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump's administration.  A senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed the denial of entry and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents, the BBC reported.  A Somali embassy official in Nairobi said that Artan had been issued a diplomatic passport to help facilitate travel after previous visa-related difficulties. The report said that the Somali Football Federation has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification. "While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision," Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, told BBC World Service.  In December, Giuliani had said that the Trump administration cannot guarantee that non-US citizens will be safe from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) raids at stadiums. World Cup 2026 News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Omar Artan ​was named among match officials ​for 2026 World Cup but will miss the tournament after US refuses him entry.

Omar Artan to officiate PSG v Aston Villa in August‘Football is made to connect people,’ says Uefa headOmar Artan, the Somali referee prevented from officiating at the World Cup, will take charge of the Super Cup in August, Uefa has announced.Artan found himself at the centre of controversy after being denied entry to the US, with the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, suggesting he was powerless to overrule Donald Trump’s administration. Somalia is one of 12 countries on a travel ban list introduced by the US president last year. Continue reading...

Omar Artan, 34, was due to referee at this summer's World Cup in North America but was denied entry to the U.S. in Miami on Saturday.

The Somali referee was due to become his country’s first to officiate the World Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan returned to a warm welcome at home after being denied entry to the United States and excluded from the 2026 World Cup Finals amid allegations of links to terrorist groups

SOMALI referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry to the United States because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations,” says a US official. The 34-year-old – Africa’s referee of the year in 2025 – was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals but was denied entry at […]

Top Somali referee Omar Artan latest victim of stringent US travel policies after Iranian squad's visas were delayed.

Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan is back home after the U.S. denied him entry citing "vetting concerns." CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.

Referee Omar Artan was denied from the US, where he was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US due to security concerns and alleged links to terror organisations. Learn more about the incident. Read More: https://punchng.com/why-somali-referee-was-denied-entry-us-official/

Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States for the tournament.

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on World Cup 2026, indicated referee Omar Artan was suspected of having ties to a Somali militant group.

The Trump administration has claimed referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied admission to the U.S. due to “association with suspected members of terror organisations.” The referee was one of 52 match officials chosen by FIFA for the World Cup. He reported to Miami last weekend to join a training camp with his peers in Florida ahead of the tournament. Artan told the New York Times on Tuesday that he “had the right papers” and “the right visa” before traveling to the United States and he also had accreditation as a match official by FIFA. The issue, therefore, appears to have emerged upon attempting to enter at the border. He said that border officials interviewed him at Miami International Airport during a process of over 11 hours, before being detained in a holding cell and then sent back to Istanbul, Turkey, where he began his journey. After The Athletic contacted the White House for comment on the matter, a senior administration official said: “Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). “The traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country — full stop.” submitted by /u/TheAthletic [link] [comments]

The decision to deny Somali referee Omar Artan entry underscored fears that US immigration policy could cast a shadow over the tournament.

Referee Omar Artan arrives back in Somalia after being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup because of his "association with suspected members of terror organisations".

Hundreds of fans, government and football officials gathered at Mogadishu's airport Wednesday to welcome Omar Artan after the Somali refree was denied entry to the US for the World Cup. Somalia's dream of having its first national officiate a World Cup may have been dashed, but Artan told his supporters not to give up hope and vowed to participate in the next FIFA tournament in 2030.

Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan was denied U.S. entry after CBP flagged association with suspected terror organization members, a Trump admin official said.

Andrew Giuliani, who is leading the White House task force for the FIFA World Cup, has said Artan was denied entry to the US for a "very good reason," without offering further details.

The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami and subsequently cut from the tournament by FIFA was set to make history for his country. Omar Artan was going to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament, which was announced two months ago. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday over “vetting concerns,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement without giving details of those concerns. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon tells us more.

Omar Artan vows to officiate at the 2030 World Cup instead after arriving home in Somalia in the wake of being banned from entering the United States.

Referee Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the US ahead of the World Cup over alleged links to suspected members of terrorist organisations in war-torn Somalia.

Somali referee Omar Artan said the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away after he was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup. The post Somali referee says World Cup ‘dream’ ruined appeared first on Vanguard News.

A United States official has revealed that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the country ahead of the FIFA World Cup because of his alleged "association with suspected members of terror organizations." The post Somalia’s Omar Artan had suspected terror ties – US govt explains visa refusal appeared first on Vanguard News.

Artan deemed a threat to national security by US officials‘I promise you that I will attend the next one’The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States arrived on Wednesday in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where he was received by a crowd of supporters and officials.Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making Fifa’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. Continue reading...

Omar Artan, who was Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was denied entry to the US last weekend despite being issued with a valid visa

Somali official was barred from entering US soil before summer tournament

Referee Omar Artan was set to become the first official from Somalia to take part in the World Cup before he was denied entry to the United States

The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to “suspected members of terror organizations”. The administration’s strict immigration policies have been a point of concern ahead of the World Cup, with Washington imposing a sweeping travel ban […]

Somalia's top soccer referee Omar Artan was cut from the World Cup by FIFA after US border officials rejected his visa over "vetting concerns.“

Somalia’s football federation says the US decision to deny entry to award-winning referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AFP)—Somalia on Tuesday defended award-winning referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States and prevented from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" over Artan's denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football's governing body FIFA, it was "not possible to achieve a positive outcome". Artan, who in 2025 was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport. FIFA then confirmed that he would no longer be part of the quadrennial football extravaganza set to start on Thursday. Artan's appointment to the 52-strong roster of referees for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots. Somalia's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in April he was "a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis". A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection. Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown. A CAF source told AFP the continental body could not intervene in the decision by the US, adding: "We certainly feel sorry for Artan." Somalia reaffirmed "its unwavering support" for the referee, adding it "has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally." "Artan represents the very best of Somali talent," the Ministry of Sports statement said. - Dream crushed - Artan said in an interview with the New York Times that the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away. "I am very, very disappointed," he said from Istanbul, where he returned after being turned back in Miami. "I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup." Artan said he was subjected to an 11-hour interview with border officials and then taken to a separate holding cell where he was detained for several further hours before being put on a flight back to Turkey. "I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," he added -- an assertion confirmed to AFP by a Somali government advisor. Artan's rejection has sparked outrage at home. Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he was "deeply disappointed" and assured Artan that "Africa and the world stand with you." "He represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe excellence should be recognized on the world stage," Khaire wrote on X. Ex-Somali government minister Abdirashid Hashi called on FIFA to stand with Artan, saying, "Football is supposed to unite people, not exclude." He "should be judged by his merit and professionalism -- not by the passport he carries," Hashi added, describing the move as a "political decision" by the United States. Hashi suggested that FIFA could have allowed the referee to take charge of World Cup games in the two other countries hosting games. "I hope Canada and Mexico issue visas to Artan. There is no reason a referee denied entry to one host country cannot still contribute to a World Cup being hosted across three countries," he said.

Omar Artan thanks FIFA for its support after he is barred from entering the United States, ending his dream of refereeing at his first World Cup.

Omar Artan thanks FIFA for its support after he is barred from entering the United States, ending his dream of refereeing at his first World Cup.

Somalia defends award-winning referee Omar Artan after he was denied US entry, preventing him from officiating at the World Cup. Africa stands with Artan. Read More: https://punchng.com/world-cup-africa-stands-with-you-somalia-backs-referee-denied-us-entry/

Omar Artan, who was named referee of the year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, has been dropped from Fifa's list of officials after he was refused entry to the US.

 BBC Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding the “right papers” and “right visa”. Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals, was dropped from the list of […] The post World Cup: I have right papers and visa – barred Somali referee Artan appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.

Somali referee Omar Artan said the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away after he was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup. The post Somali referee says World Cup ‘dream’ ruined appeared first on Vanguard News.

Ruled out of the tournament after an 11-hour interrogation ordeal in Miami, Africa's top official speaks out on the devastating immigration decision that shattered his lifelong sporting dream.

[Nile Post] A Somali referee celebrated as Africa's best has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and sent back to Turkey upon arrival at Miami International Airport, preventing him from officiating at the upcoming Fifa World Cup, according to the world football governing body Fifa.

EXCLUSIVE: With Somalia referee Omar Artan banned from the United States, ex-players have said it's a "World Cup of chaos" and "Martin Luther King would be turning in his grave"

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to commence this week, one of the tournament's biggest off-field controversies involves Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected to officiate at football's biggest event. The post 5 things to know about Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry appeared first on Vanguard News.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who has been acclaimed as the best official in Africa, was dropped from FIFA's list for the tournament after American authorities refused him permission to enter.

Somalia’s top referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been dramatically ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, ending what would have been a landmark moment for Somali football. The 34‑year‑old, voted Africa’s best referee in 2025, was set to become the first Somali official to take charge at […] By Faz Ali

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan expresses disappointment after being denied entry to the US, ending his World Cup dream. Learn more about the Somal Read More: https://punchng.com/award-winning-somali-referee-reacts-to-us-world-cup-ban/

A World Cup referee from Somalia confirmed on Tuesday that US border patrol officials denied him entry into the country. “I am very, very disappointed,” Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of 52 referees chosen in April for the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup, told the New York Times. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to […]

Omar Artan had been chosen by soccer governing body FIFA to be one of 52 referees at the World Cup

Omar Artan was set to become the first Somali to referee a game at the World Cup finals, but his place in history has been denied by US immigration authorities.

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football's governing body FIFA said on Monday. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan would play no part in the World Cup. Artan would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.

Somali referee Omar Artan has insisted he had valid travel documents and the appropriate visa after being denied entry into the United States, a decision that has ended his dream of making history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The post World Cup: ‘I had right visa,’ Somali referee says after US rejection appeared first on Vanguard News.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan says he has had his World Cup dreams dashed after he was refused entry at the US border.

Somalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US […] The post Somalia backs referee’s ‘integrity’, pledges ‘unwavering support’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding the "right papers" and "right visa".

Omar Artan is hailed as one of Africa's best referees and was the ref for the decisive leg of the African Champions League final last month — Africa's biggest club soccer game.

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the World Cup.

“I had the right papers and everything,” Omar Abdulkadir Artan said in his first interview since he was turned back. He would have been the first Somali to referee a game in the tournament.

The United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup, has denied top African referee Omar Artan entry to the country, preventing the Somali from officiating matches at the tournament.  The post FIFA accepts US decision to block Somali World Cup referee appeared first on Inside World Football.

The United States has denied entry to football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to be the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match.

With just days to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the settler colonial US have been denying entry to fans, players, and officials – this time to Somali referee Omar Artan. At a time when all eyes should be on the stadiums and the national teams, some of the World Cup’s most […] By Alaa Shamali

Somalian referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA has confirmed. In a statement released on Monday, the world football governing body said Artan would be unable to participate in training programs or officiate at the tournament following a decision by US […] The post Africa’s Best Referee, Omar Artan Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Artan was set to become the first Somalian to referee at a World Cup, but he was turned away in Miami on Saturday.

  SOMALI referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, has been denied entry to the United States. Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently […]

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, was reportedly stopped at Miami International Airport The post FIFA confirms Somali referee Omar Artan will miss World Cup after US entry denial appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Omar Artan was reportedly turned away at Miami International Airport last weekend despite possessing valid travel documents

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry

Award-winning Somali referee, Omar Artan, has been removed from the World Cup roster after being denied entry into US

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the World Cup.

Fifa drops Somali referee from World Cup after US denies entry Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 00:57 A Fifa official since 2018, Omar Artan was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals Somali referee Omar Artan gestures during an Africa Cup of Nations match in Bouake, Ivory Coast, 23 January 2024 (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP) Off Football governing body Fifa has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster after American authorities denied him entry into the country, ending what would have been the first World Cup finals appearance by a Somali match official. Artan, the Confederation of African Football's men's referee of the year in 2025, was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. US immigration authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision. In a statement, Fifa said Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament after discussions with US authorities. "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 governing body said. The governing body, which organises football events all over the world, said that it is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications. "In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," the statement said, adding that it has been informed by authorities that Artan's status "will not be changed at present".  Artan was one of 52 referees selected by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. A Fifa referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and in Somalia's national league competitions. Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump's administration.  World Cup 2026: US gives no assurances immigration agents won’t raid stadiums Read More » A senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed the denial of entry and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents, BBC reported.  A Somali embassy official in Nairobi said Artan had been issued a diplomatic passport to help facilitate travel after previous visa-related difficulties. The report said that the Somali Football Federation has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification. "While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision," Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, told BBC World Service.  In December, Giuliani had said that the Trump administration cannot guarantee that non-US citizens will be safe from ICE raids at stadiums. In April, the president of the Palestine Football Association (PFA), as well as two other officials from the organisation, were denied visas to Canada for the annual Fifa Congress held in Vancouver on 30 April, according to The Guardian.  PFA president Jibril Rajoub was reportedly set to address the Fifa Congress on the matter of Israel holding football matches in the West Bank, which is illegally occupied land, according to the United Nations.  After carrying out an investigation based on a 2024 complaint, Fifa insisted that "the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law", and therefore, it would "take no action".  In February, the groups Irish Sport for Palestine, Scottish Sport for Palestine, Just Peace Advocates, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, and Sport Scholars for Justice in Palestine filed a 120-page complaint with the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court against Fifa's president, The New York Times reported. The complaint named Gianni Infantino and European football governing body president Aleksander Ceferin, accusing them of "aiding war crimes".  Sport News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was named the Confederation of African ​Football's Best Male Referee for 2025, reportedly had a valid visa.

Omar Artan, Africa's top referee in 2025, was set to become the first Somali national to officiate at a FIFA World Cup before being denied entry by US authorities

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was one of 52 match officials listed for the World Cup, and the first ever from Somalia. But he hasn’t been allowed into the USA.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was one of 52 match officials listed for the World Cup, and the first ever from Somalia. But he hasn’t been allowed into the USA.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was one of 52 match officials listed for the World Cup, and the first ever from Somalia. But he hasn’t been allowed into the USA.

FIFA says “a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa” as Somali official Omar Artan is ruled out of the tournament.

It comes after several incidents that have put US immigration and border enforcement into the spotlight ahead of the World Cup.

Somali referee Omar Artan will miss the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA confirmed his exclusion from the tournament. Read More: https://punchng.com/world-cup-2026-fifa-drops-somali-referee-omar-artan-after-us-blocks-entry/

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP)—Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football's governing body FIFA said on Monday. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the World Cup. "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. FIFA emphasised that it was powerless to influence the decision, which it said was the sole preserve of tournament co-hosts, the United States. "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." A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection. "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." Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown. A government advisor in Mogadishu told AFP earlier Monday that Artan -- who would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals -- had a valid visa for the US. "Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community," Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said. Abshir said Artan flew back to Istanbul after being refused entry in Miami. "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. Artan was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since he became a FIFA referee in 2018. He also officiated at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Algeria, and in 2025 he was named by the Confederation of African Football as men's referee of the year. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April after he made history as the first Somali to be selected to officiate at the World Cup finals. "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.

Highly rated Somali referee Omar Artan is turned away from the US just days before he was expected to officiate in the FIFA World Cup.

Omar Artan was one of 52 referees selected for the FIFA World Cup. But on Saturday he was denied entry because of “vetting concerns,” U.S. officials said.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been ruled out of officiating at the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, FIFA said Monday, in a decision that prevents him from becoming the first Somali official to referee at the tournament.

Award-winning referee Omar Artan was 'determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns' after arriving in Miami.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US for the World Cup, despite having a valid visa. This decision sparks debate on fairness. Read More: https://punchng.com/somali-referee-denied-entry-to-us-for-world-cup/

Omar Artan arrived in Miami from Istanbul on Saturday but was barred from entering the country following a "routine" inspection, CBP said.

The African continent’s top referee has been banned from entering the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup.Omar Artan was set to make history as the first Somali to officiate the World Cup before he was allegedly denied entry at Miami International Airport despite having a travel visa. The reason for his denial was not made immediately clear, although Somalia is one of the countries on President Trump’s travel ban, and has been a frequent target of his racist attacks since he returned to office.“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports adviser and former national team captain, Ciise Aden Abshir said in a statement to Agence France-Presse. “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.”Artan is one of many players, officials, coaches, and fans who will run into issues simply getting into the World Cup with America’s aggressive anti-immigration policies—which risk overshadowing the event entirely. Iranian team staff allege they had visas denied, Cameroonian-born Swiss midfielder Breel Embolo was denied entry, and Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was detained and question in Chicago O’Hare airport for seven hours. Both FIFA and the Trump administration have had a year and a half to prepare for the tournament. It was predictable the entire time that visas for players, staff, and referees would be an issue. And yet, with the tournament three days away, it is engulfed in avoidable chaos.

According to the BBC on Monday, Artan was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and has since been returned to Turkey. The post World Cup: First Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry into US appeared first on Vanguard News.

Was going to be first Somalian to officiate at a World Cup‘He deserves the support of the football community’A Somali referee, who was set to become the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup, has been denied access to the US, according to reports.Omar Artan is alleged to have been refused entry to the US at Miami International airport this past weekend, despite having a valid travel visa. Continue reading...

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, is denied entry to the United States.

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday. The post African referee denied entry to US for World Cup appeared first on Vanguard News.