Football governing body Fifa has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster after American authorities denied him entry into the country, ending what would have been the first World Cup finals appearance by a Somali match official.
Artan, the Confederation of African Football’s men’s referee of the year in 2025, was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
US immigration authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision.
In a statement, Fifa said Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament after discussions with US authorities.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the governing body said.
The governing body, which organises football events all over the world, said that it is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country,” the statement said, adding that it has been informed by authorities that Artan’s status “will not be changed at present”.
Artan was one of 52 referees selected by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
A Fifa referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and in Somalia’s national league competitions.
Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
source: MEE
