Breaking News: Somali Referee Omar Artan Dropped from World Cup List
Omar Artan, the first Somali referee set to officiate at the World Cup finals, has been removed from the list of officials. He was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
No official reason for Artan’s entry denial has been provided by U.S. immigration authorities. Somalia is included in a travel ban list established by former President Donald Trump’s administration.
FIFA confirmed that Artan will not participate in the 2026 World Cup. A statement from FIFA said, “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes,” and mentioned that the U.S. government ultimately decides who receives a visa.
A senior adviser from Somalia’s ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial, stating that Artan was traveling with valid documents. An official from the Somali embassy in Nairobi noted that Artan’s diplomatic passport was meant to facilitate his travel.
The Somali Football Federation has reached out to FIFA for urgent clarification regarding the situation. Artan was among 52 referees selected for the tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
