Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.

Artan is one of Africa's most respected and prominent referees, having won the #CAF "Best Male Referee" award in 2025. He was named by FIFA to officiate during the 2026 World Cup, being one of the youngest persons to achive this (34), but the Somali referee was just denied entry to U.S. territory.

Artan, was barred from entering the country at the Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport. However, this was insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back.

No exact reason for Artan's repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by Donald Trump's xenophobic administration.

After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body #FIFA confirmed Artan will miss the tournament.

"Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," read a statement.

"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.

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

This decision has caused worldwide outrage, with many finding it absurd to host a World Cup in a country that won't allow citizens of certain parts of the world to arrive, even after having legally completed the exhausting, expensive and complicated current immigration process one of the three host nations demands.

#FIFAWC2026 #WorldCup2026 #WC2026 #Somalia #OmarAbdulkadirArtan #Football #News #Sports

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has be...

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Comments

Comfort Yako Asala: I agree with the outrage.
It is indeed absurd to deny him entry. There should be exceptions to sanctions.
It's sad that FIFA is not involved in countries immigration processes.
Afro Tunes: Very sad, absurd news. FIFA should have done more in his behalf.