Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry to U.S. Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Omar Artan, a Somali national and selected referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport, according to France24. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited vetting concerns as the reason for the denial. Artan, whose full name is Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025 and was appointed by UEFA to officiate the 20
Omar Artan, a Somali national and selected referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport, according to France24. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited vetting concerns as the reason for the denial. Artan, whose full name is Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025. UEFA appointed Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, and stated that the appointment was intended to show respect for him and his officiating skills. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan’s officiating skills. According to Al Arabiya, Artan was also appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup. Omar Artan returned to Mogadishu, Somalia, to a hero’s welcome, according to Daily Sabah. The Somali government expressed regret over Artan’s inability to participate in the World Cup, according to AllAfrica.
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