U.S. Denies Entry to African Referee Omar Artan for World Cup

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a celebrated referee and recipient of the CAF Best African Referee 2025 award, was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport on June 6, 2026. Despite holding a valid U.S. visa and a diplomatic passport facilitated by the Somali embassy in Nairobi, U.S.

Customs and Border Protection officials deemed him inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns. This decision forced FIFA to remove Artan from the officiating roster for the upcoming World Cup, which begins on June 11, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Artan was one of 52 elite referees selected globally and was set to represent the African continent. The Somali Sports Minister condemned the decision, arguing it undermines the meritocracy of sports and prevents qualified officials from participating in international competitions.

Artan expressed resilience and optimism despite the setback, emphasizing his commitment to his professional journey.