Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry into the United States just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his chance of becoming the first Somali official to referee at football's biggest tournament.
Artan was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup, which kicks off on 11th June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to reports, he arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul but was stopped by U.S. immigration authorities and later returned to Turkey.
FIFA subsequently confirmed that he would not be able to take part in the tournament.
No official reason has been publicly given for the decision. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the traveller was found to be "inadmissible due to vetting concerns" following a routine inspection.
The agency added that "all travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches and staff, are subject to inspection and vetting."
The development has attracted international attention because Artan reportedly held a valid U.S. visa and had recently been named Africa's top male referee for 2025.
His appointment to the World Cup was widely celebrated in Somalia, where many viewed it as a historic achievement for the country's football community.
FIFA said it was informed that Artan's immigration status "will not be changed at present" and stressed that it is not involved in host-country immigration decisions.
The incident has also renewed debate over U.S. travel restrictions affecting citizens of several countries, including Somalia.
Artan, in a statement, thanked FIFA and African football authorities for their support and wished his fellow match officials success at the tournament.
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