- Somalia Condemns US Entry Denial to Referee Omar Artan Ahead of World Cup
-
FIFA removes Artan from 2026 World Cup officials list.
-
Artan says lifelong World Cup dream was taken away.
The Somali government has expressed disappointment after award-winning referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States, a development that prevented him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Panic as Flood Sweeps Man Away After Heavy Rainfall in Delta
- Boko Haram Releases 416 Abducted Women, Children In Borno
- MTN Boss Rejects Claims of Expensive Data in Nigeria
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday despite being selected among the 52 match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports said it regretted the outcome despite diplomatic efforts involving US authorities and FIFA.
The ministry said, “Despite diplomatic engagement with the relevant authorities in the United States and FIFA, it was not possible to achieve a positive outcome.”
FIFA subsequently confirmed that Artan would no longer participate in the tournament.
His appointment had been widely celebrated in Somalia, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud describing him in April as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.”
A spokesperson for the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.
Somalia is among the countries affected by immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump as part of broader border control measures.
A CAF source told AFP that the continental football body could not intervene in the decision.
“We certainly feel sorry for Artan,” the source said.
The Somali Ministry of Sports reaffirmed its support for the referee, stating that it had full confidence in his professionalism and contributions to football.
“Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” the ministry said.
Speaking to The New York Times after returning to Istanbul, Artan described the experience as devastating.
“I am very, very disappointed,” he said.
“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 revealed that he underwent an 11-hour interview with border officials before being detained for several more hours and eventually placed on a return flight to Turkey.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” he added.
The incident has sparked criticism in Somalia, with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former minister Abdirashid Hashi calling on FIFA and World Cup organisers to support the referee.
Hashi argued that Artan should be judged by his qualifications and professionalism rather than his nationality, while also suggesting that FIFA explore the possibility of allowing him to officiate matches in Canada or Mexico.
