Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan reveals a card throughout a soccer recreation. – AFP
The US denied entry to a Somali referee who arrived within the nation over the weekend to officiate video games in the course of the FIFA World Cup, the US Customs and Border Patrol mentioned on Monday.
The Somali nationwide arrived at Miami Worldwide Airport from Istanbul Worldwide Airport on Saturday and was decided to be inadmissible as a consequence of vetting considerations and was denied entry, the CBP mentioned in an announcement, with out saying what these considerations have been.
The CBP didn’t title the Somali nationwide, however in response to media studies, it was Omar Artan, an award-winning referee who had a sound visa and was set to be the primary from his nation to officiate on the World Cup.
Somalia’s embassy in Washington didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in an announcement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami Worldwide Airport, would play no half within the World Cup.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson informed AFP.
FIFA emphasised that it was powerless to affect the choice, which it mentioned was the only real protect of event co-hosts the USA.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
Artan was among the many 52 referees introduced by FIFA to officiate on the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
He has been officiating within the Somali nationwide soccer league championships since he grew to become a FIFA referee in 2018.
He additionally officiated on the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Algeria, and in 2025 he was named by the Confederation of African Soccer as males’s referee of the 12 months.
The Trump administration’s strict immigration insurance policies have been a degree of concern for World Cup attendees, and final 12 months Washington imposed a sweeping journey ban on residents of 12 international locations, together with Somalia.
