World Cup Referee Omar Artan Excluded After US Entry Denial
Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been withdrawn from officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.
Artan, who was expected to make his World Cup debut as one of the selected match officials, was reportedly refused admission at Miami International Airport and subsequently returned to Turkey. US immigration authorities have not issued any public explanation regarding the decision.
Following the development, FIFA confirmed that the referee would not be able to participate in pre-tournament training or officiate any matches during the competition.
The world football governing body also reiterated that visa issuance and entry clearance are determined solely by host nations, meaning match officials remain subject to immigration policies of the organizing country.
Officials from Somalia stated that Artan had travelled with valid documentation, and the Somali Football Federation has reportedly requested clarification from FIFA over the circumstances surrounding his exclusion.
Artan, a CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award recipient in 2025, has been on FIFA’s officiating list since 2018 and has handled several major continental fixtures, including matches in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident has sparked discussions within football administration circles, as Artan was among 52 referees selected for the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
