.jpg){kind=link}
Africa’s top-rated referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been denied a visa to enter the USA to officiate at the World Cup 2026. Artan was set to make history as the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals tournament.
However, the CAF’s 2025 Referee of the Year was refused entry into the USA in Miami and forced to fly back to his destination airport, Istanbul.
Out of FIFA’s hands
The decision was out of the hands of FIFA, which was confirmed by a spokesperson in a statement, who said: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.
NEW 🚨
A statement from a FIFA Spokesperson:
FIFA spokesperson: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.
“FIFA is not involved in host country… https://t.co/NEsPkhzcmV
— Lloyd Canfield (@LloydCanfield) June 8, 2026
“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.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
US Customs and Border Protection denied Artan due to concerns
.jpg){kind=link}
Artan believed he had the right to enter the country, having obtained what he believed was the correct visa allowing him to work in the USA. However, Somalia is one of the countries on the USA’s travel ban list.
On his arrival at Miami International Airport, the referee underwent ‘additional inspection’, as border security decided on whether he would be admitted into the country.
The decision has been met by criticism from Somalia’s sports minister, Ciise Aden Abshir, who is quoted as saying: “Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.
“Denying him entry and preventing him from officiating harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.”