Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to a senior official from Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Artan, who is set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at the FIFA World Cup finals, was reportedly stopped at Miami International Airport and prevented from entering the country.
The reason for the decision was not immediately disclosed. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of United States President Donald Trump.
Speaking on the development, senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and former national team captain, Ciise Aden Abshir, described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected football officials.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir said.
He explained that Artan possessed a valid US visa at the time of travel and has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been staying.
Abshir expressed concern over the decision, arguing that it could affect both the referee’s career and the principles of fairness in international football.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” he said.
Artan was recently named among the 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup finals scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His selection marked a historic milestone for Somali football, making him the first referee from the East African nation to earn a place at the prestigious tournament.
Artan has built a strong reputation within African football since becoming a FIFA-accredited referee in 2018.
He has officiated matches in Somalia’s national football league and gained international recognition through assignments at major continental competitions.
Among his notable achievements was his participation at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Algeria.
In 2025, the Confederation of African Football named him Men’s Referee of the Year, further cementing his status as one of the continent’s top match officials.
His World Cup appointment was widely celebrated across Somalia and beyond.
In April, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan for making history and serving as an inspiration to young people in the country.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” the president said.
The incident has sparked concern among sports stakeholders, who fear it could affect Artan’s participation in one of the biggest events in world football.
Neither FIFA nor US immigration authorities had publicly commented on the matter at the time of reporting.
As preparations continue for the World Cup finals, attention is now focused on whether the issue can be resolved in time for Artan to take up his officiating duties at the tournament.
