FIFA has issued an official statement:
“FIFA confirms that referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be able to participate in training and officiating for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry to the United States.
FIFA is not involved in the host country’s immigration procedures, including visa approval, and has been informed that Mr. Artan’s status will not change at this time.
In line with past practices at FIFA tournaments, the host government ultimately decides who receives visas and who is allowed entry.”
Omar Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from Istanbul on Saturday but was prohibited from entering the country after undergoing “routine” inspections. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the news in a statement to The Athletic.
Artan was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year 2025 and was among 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at this summer’s World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
He was expected to become the first referee from his country to officiate at a World Cup.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not provide specific reasons for denying Artan entry in its statement, but Somalia is one of several countries on the travel ban list introduced by the Trump administration.
A CBP spokesperson stated: “On June 6, a Somali citizen arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport. During the entry inspection process, the traveler underwent additional screening, which is part of CBP’s routine inspection procedures to verify information or determine admissibility.
Following the inspection, the traveler, who is a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was deemed inadmissible and denied entry due to issues related to the review.”
All travelers attempting to enter the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, must undergo inspection and review by CBP.
Determinations of admissibility are made on a case-by-case basis, with reference to law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine their admissibility under U.S. law.”
When FIFA announced the list of World Cup officials in April, it stated that they had conducted a “meticulous and comprehensive selection process spanning more than three years.” At that time, FIFA said all match officials would arrive in Miami by May 31.
Artan, who previously officiated in the Somalia National Football League, became a FIFA referee in 2018 and has taken charge of matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.
