Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has reportedly been denied entry to the United States, months after being selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan, who is set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals tournament, was barred from entering the U.S. at Miami International Airport, according to a Somali sports ministry official cited by AFP.
It was not immediately clear why Artan was denied entry, but Somalia is one of several countries included on a travel ban list introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Abshir said Artan had a valid U.S. visa and has since flown back to Istanbul.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” said Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play,” he added.
Artan was among 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate at the June-July World Cup finals, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
He has been officiating in Somalia’s national football league since becoming a FIFA referee in 2018.
Artan also officiated at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria and was named CAF Referee of the Year in 2025.
His World Cup selection was widely celebrated in Somalia, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praising him in April for making history as the first Somali selected to officiate at the tournament.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” Mohamud said.
The incident is likely to raise further concerns over the impact of U.S. travel restrictions on African and Muslim-majority nations, particularly when they affect internationally recognised professionals invited to take part in major global events.
