Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry to the US over the weekend, according to local media and social media reports, just days before he was due to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite being selected by FIFA to oversee matches at the tournament, Artan reportedly faced difficulties obtaining a visa. The Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, said on Friday that it had facilitated Artan’s travel on a diplomatic passport, according to reports circulating on social media.
Artan was traveling from Istanbul to Miami on Saturday to attend a FIFA seminar for match officials ahead of the World Cup. However, he was reportedly denied entry upon arrival in the US for unknown reasons and was returned to Istanbul on Sunday.
Local media reported that the Head of Referees at the Somalia Football Association had formally contacted FIFA regarding the incident. FIFA reportedly acknowledged the matter and said it would respond as soon as possible. No official statement has been issued by FIFA, Somali authorities, or US officials.
