Incredible: Ref Barred from the US Welcomed as Hero in Somalia After Overcoming International Controversy
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first from his country to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry to the United States despite holding a US visa and diplomatic passport. Artan, chosen as Africa's best referee in 2025, was stopped at Miami airport, questioned for 11 hours, and subsequently deported.
The travel ban imposed by the US government on 12 countries, including Somalia, is cited as the reason for his refusal. As a result, FIFA has confirmed Artan's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, rendering his participation impossible even in matches hosted in Mexico and Canada.
Upon his return to Mogadishu, Artan was welcomed as a hero and received by Somalia's President Hassan Mohamud. Despite his frustration, Artan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and thanked FIFA, the government, and the public for their support. He vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup and urged Somalia's youth to remain hopeful and defend the country's honor.
The travel ban imposed by the US government on 12 countries, including Somalia, is cited as the reason for his refusal. As a result, FIFA has confirmed Artan's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, rendering his participation impossible even in matches hosted in Mexico and Canada.
Upon his return to Mogadishu, Artan was welcomed as a hero and received by Somalia's President Hassan Mohamud. Despite his frustration, Artan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and thanked FIFA, the government, and the public for their support. He vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup and urged Somalia's youth to remain hopeful and defend the country's honor.
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