Award-winning Somali referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States.
The development was disclosed on Monday by a senior official of Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, raising concerns just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The reason behind the decision remains unclear. However, Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, told AFP.
According to Abshir, Artan held a valid U.S. visa but was denied entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport. He has since returned to Istanbul, Turkey, where he had been residing.
“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 match officials selected by FIFA to oversee games at the World Cup finals scheduled to take place in June and July across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Somali referee has officiated in his country’s top-flight league since earning FIFA accreditation in 2018.
His growing reputation on the continent has seen him handle major international fixtures, including matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) named him Men’s Referee of the Year.
In April, Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, celebrated Artan’s historic World Cup appointment, describing him as a role model for young Somalis.
“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.
Artan’s reported denial of entry has now cast uncertainty over his participation in what would have been a landmark moment for Somali football on the world stage.
