World Cup 2026: Infantino Responds to Somali Referee’s Denial of Entry for U.S. Team

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the public to remain calm after U.S. authorities denied entry to Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee selected to officiate at the 2026 World Cup.

Although Artan held a valid visa, he was detained for 11 hours and ultimately declared inadmissible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection because of vetting concerns and alleged links to terrorist organisations.

Artan was returned to Turkey and subsequently removed from the World Cup roster. He has since gone back to Somalia.

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Speaking before the tournament, Infantino said FIFA is a sports organisation, not a world government capable of overriding sovereign border and security decisions.

“Again, we don’t control everything. We try, we will discuss, we will speak, we will see.”

“Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax. We work on everything, we try to solve everything. Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution.”

“Believe me when I tell you, we always try to find solutions.”

“But we need to respect we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces – we are a sports organisation.”

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, Somali authorities expressed regret over the decision and pledged to seek further clarification.

“Somalia will continue engaging with relevant partners to seek further clarification regarding this matter and to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens.”