Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry to United States for World Cup

The reason behind Artan being refused entry to the US at Miami International Airport was not immediately clear. However, Somalia is among the countries included in a travel ban list implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.

"Omar Artan is one of Africa's most highly regarded referees and he merits the backing of the whole football community," said Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former captain of the national team, in an interview with AFP.

Abshir noted that Artan held a valid visa for the United States. He has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been residing.

"Refusing him entry to the United States and stopping him from officiating the matches he was scheduled to oversee damages not just him personally but also damages football's dedication to justice, achievement on merit, and the principle of fair play," Abshir went on to say.

Artan was one of 52 referees named by FIFA to take charge of matches at the World Cup finals, which will take place in June and July across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Since earning his FIFA referee status in 2018, he has been officiating matches in the Somali national football league championships.

He has also refereed at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Algeria, and in 2025 the Confederation of African Football awarded him the title of men's referee of the year.

In April, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended Artan for making history as the first Somali to be chosen to referee at the World Cup finals.

"I praise the hard work, professional conduct and honesty displayed by referee Omar, as he has become a source of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis," said Mohamud.