Somalia has defended award-winning referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals.
In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome”.
Artan, who in 2025 was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.
Artan’s appointment had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots, the country’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declaring in April he was “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”.
A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection.
He was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Somali reaffirmed “its unwavering support” for Artan, adding it “has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.”
“Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” reads the statement.
FIFA confirmed to AFP Artan will not be participating in the quadrennial football extravaganza set to start on Thursday.
He “will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
A source at CAF told AFP on Tuesday the continental body could not intervene, but added: “We certainly feel sorry for Artan.”
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