Omar Abdulkadir Artan, selected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been removed from the list of match officials after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA confirmed that Artan will be unable to attend the tournament’s training sessions or officiate matches during the competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Named Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, Artan was among the 52 referees chosen to oversee matches at the World Cup. However, upon arriving at Miami International Airport, U.S. immigration authorities refused him entry, and he was subsequently sent to Turkey.
No official explanation has been provided by U.S. immigration authorities regarding the decision. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump, a factor that may have influenced the outcome.
In a statement, FIFA emphasized that it does not participate in the host country’s immigration or visa processes, noting that national authorities have the final authority to determine who is granted entry into their territory.
Despite the setback, Artan expressed gratitude to both FIFA and CAF for their support. He stated that he remains optimistic and committed to maintaining the highest refereeing standards while focusing on future international competitions. He also wished his fellow officials every success during the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted FIFA seeking urgent clarification regarding the incident. The case has raised broader questions about the impact of immigration policies on international sporting events and the challenges that officials from certain countries may face when participating in global competitions.