Advertisement
Advertisement
MIAMI: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry into the United States of America (USA), ending what would have been a historic appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Artan had been selected among the match officials for the World Cup and was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the prestigious event.
However, his participation was brought to an abrupt halt after US authorities refused him admission despite him holding a valid visa.
According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Artan arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday but was found inadmissible following a vetting process.
The agency confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday but did not disclose the specific reasons behind it.
The development has sparked fresh debate over US immigration policies ahead of the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Concerns had previously been raised regarding travel restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Somalia.
Following discussions with American authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to take part in the tournament.
“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,” the governing body said in a statement.
“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.”
Artan is regarded as one of Somalia’s most accomplished football officials and had earned widespread recognition for becoming the first referee from the East African nation to receive a World Cup appointment.
His absence represents a significant disappointment both personally and for Somali football, which viewed his selection as a landmark achievement on the global stage.
At the time of reporting, Somalia’s embassy in Washington had not publicly commented on the matter.
READ: Brazil provide update on Neymar’s fitness ahead of World Cup 2026
