Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry to US, Misses World Cup As

Sports Reporter: 

Somali referee Omar Artan was forced to abandon his dream of officiating at the FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States despite arriving with what he says were valid travel documents.

Artan was detained and questioned for nearly 11 hours at Miami International Airport before US immigration authorities revoked his visa and passport clearance, preventing him from entering the country. He was subsequently sent back to Türkiye.

According to US officials, the decision was based on alleged links to members of a terrorist organization. However, the 35-year-old referee has strongly rejected the accusation.

“I had all the necessary documents and a valid visa,” Artan said. “I am simply a referee who came to the World Cup to fulfill the biggest dream of my life.”

FIFA officials reportedly provided assistance to Artan following the incident. Although he will not be able to officiate any matches at this year’s World Cup, FIFA has assured him that he will receive the full compensation allocated for tournament referees.

Artan enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, when he was named Africa’s Referee of the Year. He also made history as the first Somali official to referee the final of a major continental tournament. In addition, he officiated three matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Despite the setback, Artan remains determined to continue his career at the highest level. He has already been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match scheduled to take place in Salzburg on August 12.

Receiving a warm welcome upon his return to Somalia, Artan said the experience has only strengthened his resolve. His new goal, he added, is to overcome the challenges and earn another opportunity to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

MMR