Omar Artan, the Somali referee who was poised to make history as the first official from Somalia to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been removed from the 2026 tournament roster after being denied entry at Miami International Airport.
Recognized as the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, Artan travelled with all necessary documentation, including a diplomatic passport designed to mitigate earlier visa complications. Despite these measures, U.S. immigration authorities prevented his entry, a decision FIFA confirmed is under the jurisdiction of the host nation’s immigration policies.
Impact of Travel Restrictions on Participation
The United States authorities did not provide an official explanation for the denial, but Somalia remains on the list of countries affected by the travel ban instituted during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Following the incident, Artan returned to Turkey and expressed determination to maintain a positive outlook and continue his officiating career in future tournaments.