One of Africa’s most respected match officials and a Somalian by nationality, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States after arriving in the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to initial reports, the highly-rated referee was refused admission by U.S. authorities upon arrival and has subsequently been sent back to Turkey.
The Somali Embassy in Nairobi confirmed on Friday that it had facilitated the referee’s travel using a diplomatic passport.
No official reason has been provided for the decision, leaving many within the football community awaiting further clarification.
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Artan, who is regarded as one of the continent’s leading referees, has officiated several high-profile matches across Africa and on the international stage.
His inclusion among officials expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was seen as another significant milestone for African refereeing.
The development has sparked surprise and concern among football stakeholders, particularly given the importance of the tournament and the rigorous selection process undertaken by FIFA for match officials.
Neither FIFA nor U.S. immigration authorities have issued a detailed statement regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.
It also remains unclear whether the situation is related to documentation, travel requirements, administrative procedures, or other factors.
The unexpected setback raises questions about Artan’s availability for World Cup duties, although officials are expected to provide further information in the coming days.
