Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The Somali government expressed “deep regret” on Tuesday after award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the United States and dropped from officiating at the World Cup. Artan, who in 2025 was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup. His appointment to the World Cup role had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots, the country’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declaring in April that he was “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”.
But world football’s governing body FIFA said on Monday that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the tournament. Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s treatment, saying in a statement that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome”. Somalia 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,” read the statement.
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CAF told AFP on Tuesday they were powerless to intervene. FIFA said the decision to refuse him entry to the US was the sole preserve of tournament co-hosts the United States. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the spokesperson said. “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection. “During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the CBP spokesperson said. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.” Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
In a statement to AFP, Artan said he wanted to concentrate on the future. “Despite the circumstances I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said. “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”
A government adviser in Mogadishu told AFP earlier Monday that Artan had a valid visa for the US. “Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said. Abshir said Artan flew back to Istanbul after being refused entry in Miami. “Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir added.
Artan was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since he became a FIFA referee in 2018 and refereed in the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
© 2024 AFP
