Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from US Entry

Omar Artan, a respected Somali referee, was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport, despite possessing a valid visa. The reasons for this barring were not immediately clear, but it is noted that Somalia is on several countries' travel ban lists established during Donald Trump's administration.

Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia's Minister of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that it undermines the spirit of fair play in football. Artan was among 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June and July.

He has officiated in significant tournaments, including the 2023 African Cup of Nations final and was named the Confederation of African Football's Men's Referee of the Year for 2025. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan for making history as the first Somali selected to officiate a World Cup final.