Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan -The 34-year-old had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first referee from Somalia ever chosen for football's biggest tournament. However, his dream came to an abrupt end after he was denied entry into the United States upon arrival in Miami.
Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, arrived in Miami from Istanbul to join FIFA's pre-tournament training camp for match officials.
After flying in from Istanbul, Artan was held for an 11-hour interview by US border officials, who he said reviewed information about his career and repeatedly questioned him about al-Shabab, the militant group waging an insurgency in Somalia. He was later held in a detention facility before being placed on a return flight to Istanbul.
The incident quickly drew attention from senior figures in football and politics. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that Artan had earned his place at the World Cup through years of dedication and outstanding performances.
In Somalia, government officials condemned the decision and called for greater transparency from US authorities. Somali sports leaders argued that Artan had become a symbol of progress for a country seeking greater recognition on the international stage. The Somali Football Federation described him as a role model whose achievements had inspired a new generation of referees and players.
US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national connected to the World Cup had been denied entry due to "vetting concerns" but did not initially provide further details. Later, US officials stated that the decision was linked to alleged associations with individuals suspected of ties to terrorist organizations. Artan has strongly denied any wrongdoing and insists he possessed a valid visa, FIFA accreditation, and all required travel documents.
Following the decision, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer be part of the tournament's list of match officials, noting that immigration decisions remain under the authority of host nations. The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the disappointment, Artan returned to Mogadishu to a hero's welcome, where hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport to celebrate his achievements. Speaking after his arrival, the referee remained optimistic about the future.
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream," Artan told The New York Times. "I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one."
Artan became a FIFA-listed international referee in 2018 and has officiated in major CAF competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, CAF Champions League matches, and FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures. In 2025, he was named CAF Men's Referee of the Year, becoming the first Somali official to receive the prestigious award. His selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup referee team was another historic milestone, making him the first referee from Somalia ever chosen for the tournament.
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