U.S. links Somali referee barred from World Cup to alleged terrorists

A Somali referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been barred from entering the United States for the World Cup following the discovery of information linking him to alleged terrorist organizations. U.S. officials stated that during an additional inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents found "negative information," including a supposed association with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist groups.

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This person sought to enter the United States. Following a more thorough inspection by CBP, negative information was discovered, including an association with alleged members of terrorist organizations.

This discovery led to Artan being declared inadmissible and subjected to an expedited removal process. The official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the individual sought to enter the U.S. and that the inspection revealed a connection to alleged members of terrorist organizations. These statements provide new details regarding the case of Artan, who was recognized as the African Football Confederation's male referee of the year for 2025.

Artan was on track to become the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match before being denied entry upon his arrival in Miami on June 6. Earlier, Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup task force, had indicated there was a "compelling reason" for preventing the referee's entry, though he did not specify the motives. Giuliani mentioned discussions with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and CBP, who conveyed a "very solid reason" for the decision.

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There was a compelling reason to prevent the referee's entry.

Somali authorities have maintained that Artan possessed a valid U.S. visa. However, Somalia is among the countries subject to immigration restrictions imposed by the Trump administration due to national security concerns.

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There was a very solid reason behind the decision.