Somalia has publicly defended referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, a decision that prevents him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals. The incident occurred when Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday and was barred from entering the country following a routine inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Government Response
In a statement released on Tuesday, Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" over the denial of entry. Despite diplomatic efforts with US authorities and FIFA, the ministry stated that it was "not possible to achieve a positive outcome." The ministry reaffirmed its "unwavering support" for Artan, expressing "full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally."
Impact on World Cup Participation
Artan was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup finals, which are set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Artan will not be participating in the tournament, which begins on Thursday. "FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," the spokesperson said.
Background and Reactions
Omar Artan is an award-winning referee who previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024. His denial of entry has sparked reactions from various football bodies. A source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) told AFP that while the continental body could not intervene, they expressed sympathy: "We certainly feel sorry for Artan."
Somalia is among several countries affected by a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration as part of broader immigration restrictions. The Ministry of Sports' statement emphasized that Artan "represents the very best of Somali talent," highlighting his role as a positive figure in Somali and international football.
