Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was poised to become the first official from Somalia to referee at a FIFA World Cup final, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States, according to a senior official from Somalia’s sports ministry.
The reason behind the decision remains unclear. However, Somalia is among several nations affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Artan was reportedly stopped upon arrival at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid U.S. visa.
Speaking to AFP, Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and former captain of the national football team, described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected referees and said he deserved the full support of the football community.
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Following the incident, Artan returned to Istanbul, where he has been based. Abshir expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that preventing the referee from carrying out his duties not only affects him personally but also contradicts football’s principles of fairness, meritocracy, and sportsmanship.
Artan was among the 52 match officials selected by FIFA to oversee games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Since earning his FIFA referee badge in 2018, Artan has officiated in Somalia’s top-flight football competitions and steadily built a strong reputation on the continent.
His achievements include serving as a match official at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria. In 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognised him as the Men’s Referee of the Year.
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His historic World Cup appointment was widely celebrated in Somalia. In April, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan for becoming the first Somali referee selected for the tournament, describing him as an inspirational figure for the country’s younger generation.
The president commended Artan’s dedication, professionalism, and integrity, noting that his success represents a source of pride and motivation for aspiring Somali athletes and officials.