News Focus
- Omar Artan stopped from working at FIFA World Cup 2026
- US border officials at Miami airport refuse entry to Somali referee
- Artan was set to become first match official from Somalia at men’s World Cup finals
- FIFA states visa decisions remain under host government control
- Somali sports ministry condemns the visa denial
FIFA has confirmed that Somalia’s leading referee will not take part in the 2026 World Cup. United States authorities blocked Omar Artan from entering the country after he arrived at Miami International Airport.
The 34-year-old official had travelled to America hoping to make history. He was scheduled to become the first referee from Somalia ever to officiate at a men’s World Cup finals. However, airport staff turned him away and forced him to return to Istanbul.
A spokesperson for football’s world governing body explained that Artan cannot train or work at the tournament. They noted that FIFA does not control immigration processes. Host countries alone decide who receives visas and who may enter their territory.
Artan earned the title of CAF Referee of the Year in 2025. Despite his status as Africa’s top official, he faced problems because Somalia appears on the United States travel restriction list. He believed his visa papers were valid for the work trip.
US Customs and Border Protection officers carried out additional security checks when Artan landed on Saturday. A spokesperson later stated that these vetting checks revealed concerns, making the referee inadmissible under American law.
The decision has sparked anger in Somalia. Ciise Aden Abshir, who advises the country’s sports ministry, spoke to the AFP news agency. He described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected referees. Abshir added that the denial hurts not just the individual but also damages football’s values of fairness and merit.