African referee denied entry to US for World Cup

Award‑winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday.

The reason for Artan’s denial at Miami International Airport was not immediately clear, but Somalia is among several countries listed on a travel ban introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” said Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior advisor to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain.

Abshir added that Artan had a valid U.S. visa and had returned to Istanbul, where he has been staying.

“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir said.

Artan was one of the 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate at the June‑July World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since becoming a FIFA referee in 2018.

He also officiated at the 2023 African Cup of Nations finals in Algeria, and in 2025 he was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April after he made history as the first Somalian selected to officiate at the World Cup finals.

“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” said Mohamud.

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