Somalia seeks solution after U.S. denies entry to referee Omar Artan

Tuesday June 9, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports expressed regret Tuesday after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of his expected role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, the ministry said the Somali government is monitoring Artan’s case and pursuing diplomatic efforts to find an immediate solution.

The ministry said it is working with relevant agencies, describing Artan as a symbol of the progress made by Somali football in recent years.

The statement came after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Monday that Artan was denied entry after arriving in South Florida on Saturday.

A DHS spokesperson said Artan was “determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” but did not provide further details, according to Al Jazeera.

Artan’s arrival in the United States suggests he had obtained a valid visa before traveling, though U.S. authorities retain final authority over entry decisions at the border.

FIFA said Monday that Artan would not be able to train or officiate at the World Cup after being denied entry.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

Artan is listed among FIFA’s 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He had been expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

The case has raised concern in Somalia and among football supporters over the impact of U.S. travel restrictions on Somali nationals and their ability to participate in major international events.

Somalia is among the countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions imposed under President Donald Trump. The restrictions have limited entry for Somali nationals, though some diplomatic and official travel may qualify for exceptions.

Artan is regarded as one of Africa’s top referees and was recently named Africa’s best referee for 2025 at the CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco.