Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome on Wednesday after being denied entry to the United States, costing him a historic opportunity to become the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup.
Hundreds of supporters carrying Somali flags gathered at Aden Adde International Airport, where government officials and members of Somalia’s football community welcomed the 34-year-old referee.
Artan was named the Confederation of African Football’s Male Referee of the Year in 2025 and selected by FIFA as one of 52 referees for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals.
However, after arriving at Miami International Airport on June 6, he was denied entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that the traveler underwent additional inspection and was later found “inadmissible due to vetting concerns.” The agency provided no further details.
FIFA confirmed that Artan would be unable to train or officiate at the tournament. The organization said immigration decisions rest with host governments and that authorities informed FIFA his status would not change.
Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, which suspended immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals of several countries.
In a statement released through FIFA, he thanked FIFA and CAF for their support and said he was focused on future opportunities in his refereeing career.
Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over the decision and reaffirmed its confidence in Artan’s integrity and professionalism.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received Artan at Villa Somalia, while Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised him as an inspiration and role model.
Artan’s career has been marked by several milestones. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018, officiated at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations as the first Somali referee to do so, and took charge of the 2025 CAF Champions League final second leg between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Addressing supporters at the airport, Artan vowed to continue pursuing his dream.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
