"Next World Cup for Sure" Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry Welcomed as Hero at Home

Omar Artan, the First Somali World Cup Referee

U.S. CBP: "Entry Denied Due to Concerns During Screening"

Omar Artan, 34, who was set to become the first Somali referee at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, returned to his hometown after being denied entry. However, it has been reported that the people of Somalia are treating Artan as a hero.

According to foreign media outlets including the Associated Press (AP) on June 10 (local time), "Artan was warmly welcomed by his supporters and government officials upon his arrival in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia."

At the event, Artan expressed his gratitude to the Somali government, the people, and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), stating, "My goal is to stand on the stage at the next World Cup." He also encouraged Somali youth at the scene, telling them, "Be proud of your country."

Referee Omar Artan. Photo by EPA.

Artan was supposed to serve as the first World Cup referee of Somali descent. He was also scheduled to join the referee training camp in Miami, United States, for the upcoming North and Central America World Cup. However, on June 7, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) denied him entry, dashing his dream.

CBP explained, "Concerns arose during the screening process, resulting in a decision to deny entry." Citing statements from some U.S. officials, AP reported that "connections with individuals suspected of terrorism organizations" were raised as an issue. It was also reported that Artan had obtained his visa from the Somali Embassy in Kenya prior to his attempt to enter the United States.

Instead of protesting Artan's entry denial, FIFA removed him from the list of World Cup referees altogether. FIFA stated, "Entry denial is a matter decided by the government, and FIFA does not interfere with immigration procedures."

This is reportedly the first time in history that a referee appointed by FIFA has been denied entry. Artan, a symbolic figure in Somali football, has been a registered FIFA international referee since 2018 and officiated matches at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

AP reported that although Artan's World Cup debut was thwarted, in Somalia he is being treated as a hero, not a failure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.