(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
US denies entry to Somali referee ahead of World Cup duties
The United States has denied entry to a Somali referee who had arrived in the country to officiate matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Officials said the referee arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday but was deemed inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns and was subsequently refused entry.
While CBP did not name the individual, media reports identified him as Omar Abdulkadir Artan, an internationally recognized referee who was expected to become the first from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup tournament.
FIFA confirms removal from tournament
FIFA confirmed that the referee will no longer take part in the tournament, stating that he would be unable to travel, train, or officiate at the event following the immigration decision.
The organization also clarified that visa and entry decisions are entirely under the authority of host nations and that it has no role in immigration approvals.
Background and career
Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018 and has officiated in Somalia’s national league as well as major international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023. In 2025, he was recognized by the Confederation of African Football as Men’s Referee of the Year.
He was among 52 referees selected for the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Immigration context
The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of US immigration policies ahead of the tournament. The United States has previously introduced travel restrictions affecting several countries, including Somalia, which has raised concerns in international sports and travel communities.
