Somali World Cup Referee Denied U.S. Entry Over Visa Issues

A highly regarded Somali referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been barred from entering the United States, preventing him from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The international football federation, FIFA, confirmed the news, noting that Artan was denied entry by U.S. immigration officials.

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among the most respected referees in Africa

Artan, who has officiated matches in the CAF Champions League, was part of a contingent of nine African officials traveling for the tournament. According to Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor at Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, Artan is "among the most respected referees in Africa." Abshir criticized the decision, stating it not only harms Artan personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness and fair play.

Reports suggest that Artan was traveling on a single-entry visa, which proved inadequate for the multi-entry permit required for officials participating in the World Cup hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. FIFA has clarified that it respects the immigration policies of host nations and does not interfere with visa processes. "As per previous FIFA competitions, the host country's government has the final say on who is granted a visa and who is admitted into its territory," FIFA stated in a release.

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interfering in the immigration procedures of the host country, including the visa granting process, and has been informed by the authorities that Mr. Artan’s status will not be modified at this time.

The official reasons for Artan's expulsion were not detailed. However, the article notes that Somalia is among the countries whose citizens have faced travel restrictions to the U.S. under previous U.S. administrations. Artan was reportedly sent back from Miami.

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As per previous FIFA competitions, the host country's government has the final say on who is granted a visa and who is admitted into its territory.