Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to make history as the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa.
The development has sparked concern within Somalia’s football community and among sports officials, especially as Artan was preparing to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to Somali sports authorities, Artan was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport. While the exact reason for the decision remains unclear, the incident comes amid ongoing travel restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Somalia, under policies introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to AFP, Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, expressed disappointment over the situation. He emphasized that Artan is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most respected football referees and deserved the support of the global football community.
Abshir confirmed that Artan possessed a valid US visa at the time of travel and has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been residing. He argued that preventing the referee from entering the country not only affects him personally but also raises concerns about fairness and meritocracy in international football.
Artan was among the 52 match officials selected by FIFA to oversee games during the World Cup finals scheduled for June and July. His inclusion was celebrated across Somalia as a landmark achievement for the nation’s sporting development.
Since earning his FIFA referee badge in 2018, Artan has built an impressive career, officiating in Somalia’s domestic football league and on major continental stages. He gained international recognition after officiating at the 2023 African Cup of Nations and further enhanced his reputation when the Confederation of African Football named him Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
His World Cup appointment was viewed as a historic breakthrough for Somali football, highlighting the growing presence of Somali officials in the global game.
Earlier this year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly congratulated Artan following FIFA’s announcement. The president praised his professionalism, integrity, and dedication, describing him as a source of inspiration for young Somalis aspiring to succeed on the international stage.
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