Somali referee won't officiate in World Cup after being denied entry into the United States

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Somali referee Omar Artan won't officiate in the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

US Customs and Border Protection said on Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving to Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday.

While the statement didn’t mention the person by name, Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia.

FIFA confirmed later on Monday that Artan wouldn't be able to train and officiate at the World Cup.

“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,” football's governing body said in a statement.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

CBP issued a release explaining why Artan was denied entry.

“During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in its statement.

“Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

CBP noted that all travellers seeking entry into the US — including athletes, coaches and staff — are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.

“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the CBP statement said.

“CBP officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.”