Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the Somali referee widely expected to make history as the first from his nation to officiate a World Cup match, was refused entry to the United States over the weekend and will not participate in the tournament, FIFA said on Monday.
A FIFA spokesperson said Artan will not be able to train or officiate at the World Cup - which kicks off on Thursday - after he was not permitted to enter the country. The organization reiterated that it is not involved in host country immigration procedures, including visa decisions, and added that it has been informed by U.S. authorities that "Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, without naming Artan, said in a statement that a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was found to be inadmissible because of vetting concerns. The agency said the individual underwent routine additional inspection prior to being denied entry but did not provide further detail on the nature of the vetting concerns.
CBP emphasized that admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. That statement was included in the agency's public remarks about the incident.
The case has unfolded against a backdrop of heightened attention to U.S. immigration policy ahead of the World Cup. The article noted that last year Washington imposed a sweeping travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia, and that strict immigration measures have been a point of concern as the tournament approaches.
Artan had received recognition within African football circles, being named the Confederation of African Football's Best Male Referee for 2025. Media reports indicate he held a valid visa at the time of his travel, but the visa did not prevent the denial of entry at the border inspection.
Somalia's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation.
Summary of developments
Artan was refused entry at Miami International Airport after arriving from Istanbul on Saturday. FIFA confirmed he will not be able to participate in World Cup preparations or officiating duties. U.S. authorities cited vetting concerns and noted that admissibility decisions rely on law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at inspection.