Somali Referee Denied US Entry Ahead of World Cup

Omar Abdulkadir Arta, a 34-year-old Somali referee, arrived at Miami International Airport with the aspiration of making history as the first referee from his war-torn nation to officiate at a World Cup. Arta, highly regarded in Africa and a FIFA-status referee since 2018, traveled with a diplomatic passport arranged by the Somali embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. His country is subject to travel restrictions previously imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

Despite his credentials, including being named best referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025, US immigration authorities denied Arta entry into the United States, citing "inspection concerns." His dream of joining the 52 designated FIFA referees evaporated quickly as he was sent back to Istanbul. This rejection was not an isolated incident, as numerous other cases of entry denials and visa problems have emerged for individuals involved in the World Cup, including players, staff, and journalists traveling to the US.

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Artan figures among the most respected referees in Africa. Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from refereeing not only harms him but also undermines football's commitment to equity, merit, and the spirit of fair play.

Ciise Abshir, former captain of the Somali national team and an advisor to his country's Ministry of Youth and Sports, criticized the decision. He stated that denying Arta entry and preventing him from refereeing not only harms the individual but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play. FIFA had previously confirmed that Arta's visa situation was "fully resolved" and that he was "available to officiate" at the World Cup. However, following the denial of entry in Miami, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the referee would not be able to participate in the tournament.

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The FIFA does not intervene in the immigration processes of the host country, including the granting of visas, and the authorities communicated to him that Artan's situation was not...