Somali referee Omar Artan, set to make history as the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, has been denied entry to the United States. Artan, a renowned referee, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year, was traveling with valid documents, including a diplomatic passport issued to ease his travel. The Somali Football Federation has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification on the matter.
World Cup Referee Denied Entry
No reason has been given by US immigration authorities for Artan’s repatriation, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by the US government. Artan is among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
Artan has officiated at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) and became a Fifa referee in 2018. The Somali embassy and the Somali Football Federation have expressed concern over the denial of entry, citing Artan’s valid travel documents and diplomatic passport.
Implications and Reactions
The denial of entry has sparked anger among fans, with many taking to social media to express their frustration over US travel bans and visa restrictions. The incident has also raised questions about the impact of US immigration policies on international sporting events.
The US government has not commented on the specifics of Artan’s case, but a senior official stated that the decision was made by customs and border patrol. The incident has significant implications for the World Cup, which is set to kick off in June, and has sparked a wider debate about the role of politics in international sports.
