FIFA Confirms Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from World Cup After US Entry Denial
Omar Artan, the 2025 CAF referee of the year and sole Somali official selected for the 2026 tournament, was denied entry at Miami International Airport on June 6. FIFA acknowledges that visa adjudications fall under the jurisdiction of the host government.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has lost a key match official following the denial of entry into the United States for Somali referee Omar Artan. Artan, 34, was prevented from entering the country upon his arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday, June 6, just days before the tournament’s scheduled commencement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Artan was deemed inadmissible due to “vetting concerns,” a decision that effectively removes him from the officiating roster for the event.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE on Tuesday, June 9, FIFA acknowledged the situation but clarified that it would not contest the immigration ruling. The governing body noted that host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, are outside its control. “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country,” the association stated, confirming that Artan’s status would not be changed at present.
CBP described the refusal of entry as the outcome of a routine additional inspection. A spokesperson for the agency explained that such inspections are standard procedure when officers require further verification of information or admissibility. The agency emphasised that these rules apply uniformly to all travellers, regardless of their role as athletes, coaches, staff, or spectators. Artan had arrived in the U.S. from Istanbul prior to the inspection.
Artan’s exclusion represents a significant loss for Somalia’s representation at the tournament. He was the sole official representing his nation among the 170 match officials, including referees, assistant referees, and video match officials, selected for the 2026 World Cup. Prior to the incident, Artan had expressed gratitude to the Somali Embassy in Nairobi for its support, describing the government’s encouragement as vital for the development of Somali youth in international sport.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, features 48 teams competing across venues in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football referee of the year, had previously made history in 2024 as the first person from Somalia to referee a continental final. His inability to train or officiate at the tournament highlights the final authority host nations retain over border access, irrespective of an individual’s professional standing in global sport.
