09 June,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Omar Artan (Pic: AFP)
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States after getting selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026. US Customs and Border Protection confirmed on Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul.
Omar Artan was set to become the first official from Somalia to referee a match at the World Cup, following his selection to FIFA's final tournament list published two months ago. Widely regarded as one of Africa's premier officials, Artan was honoured as the continent's top male referee in 2025 by the African football governing body.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed in a statement that he was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to 'vetting concerns,' though officials declined to elaborate on the specific nature of the issue. According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, which handled the paperwork, Artan had been successfully issued a travel visa just last week.
The Somali Sports and Youth Ministry stated on Tuesday that they have received no official explanation for the entry denial. Somalia was included in a wave of new travel curbs implemented last year under the Trump administration's tightened immigration policies.
FIFA clarified that it plays no role in national immigration procedures and was formally notified by American authorities that Artan's status will not be changed at present.'
"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," FIFA said.
FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino built close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump's government as the U.S. prepared to co-host with Mexico and Canada, and had publicly stressed how that would help the World Cup run smoothly.
After being denied entry, Artan released a statement saying he is in a positive mood and thanked everyone for their support.
"I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup, and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions," Artan said.
