African Referee Looks Ahead to New Opportunities After FIFA Announces Removal from World Cup Roster

Omar Artan, a renowned Somali referee, has been barred from participating in the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, according to FIFA, the governing body of world football, which announced the news on Monday.

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As a result, Artan will not be able to fulfill his role as a referee at the tournament, a position that would have made him the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup.

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A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, will play no part in the World Cup, citing his inability to enter the country as the reason.

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FIFA emphasized its lack of influence over the decision, stating that it is the sole responsibility of the tournament's co-hosts, including the United States, to determine who is allowed to enter the country.

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According to FIFA, the organization has been informed by authorities that Artan's status will not be changed at present, and that the decision is in line with previous FIFA events, where the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.

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A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) explained that Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection, during which he underwent additional scrutiny as part of the CBP's standard procedure for verifying information or determining admissibility.

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Following the inspection, Artan was deemed inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was subsequently denied entry into the United States, according to the CBP spokesperson.

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Somalia is one of several countries subject to a travel ban introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

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In a statement, Artan expressed his intention to focus on the future, saying he is in a positive mood and looking forward to the next challenges in his refereeing career, while also thanking the football community for their support and wishing his colleagues success during the World Cup.

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A government adviser in Mogadishu noted that Artan had a valid visa for the US, highlighting the unexpected nature of his denial of entry.

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The World Cup is set to kick off on Thursday, with Artan's absence likely to be felt, particularly given his reputation as one of Africa's most respected referees.

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Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, praised Artan as a symbol of inspiration and expressed disappointment at the decision to deny him entry to the US, which he believes undermines the principles of fairness and merit in football.

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Abshir also revealed that Artan had flown back to Istanbul after being refused entry in Miami, and emphasized that denying him the opportunity to officiate at the World Cup harms not only Artan personally but also the sport as a whole.

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Artan was one of the 52 referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since becoming a FIFA referee in 2018.

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In addition to his experience in the Somali league, Artan has also refereed in the Africa Cup of Nations and was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025.

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Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had previously praised Artan in April, commending his professionalism and integrity after he became the first Somali to be selected to officiate at the World Cup finals, and describing him as a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.