Africa’s high referee is not going to be allowed to officiate on the World Cup after he was refused entry to the USA, FIFA has confirmed.
Omar Artan was set to develop into the primary referee from Somalia at a World Cup however he was pressured to fly again to Istanbul after he was turned again at Miami Worldwide Airport.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Artan, who was named CAF’s referee of the 12 months in 2025, would miss out on the match, saying: “FIFA can affirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will probably be unable to coach and officiate on the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the USA.
“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.
“According to earlier FIFA occasions, a number authorities finally determines who receives a visa and who’s admitted into their nation.”
Artan believed he had legitimate visa to work within the US though Somalia are one of many nations on the US journey ban record.
Explaining their choice, a spokesperson for the the US Customs and Border Safety stated Artan had undergone “additional inspection” on arrival on Saturday as officers appeared to find out whether or not to let him into the nation.
They added: “Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”
Even earlier than FIFA’s affirmation, information of Artan’s denial of entry had been met with criticism.
A Somali authorities consultant, sports activities ministry advisor Ciise Aden Abshir, advised AFP: “Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.
“Denying him entry and stopping him officiating harms not solely him personally but in addition undermines soccer’s dedication to equity, benefit and the spirit of honest play.”
