WASHINGTON (Kashmir English): The United States has denied entry to a Somali referee who arrived in the country over the weekend to officiate games during the FIFA World Cup starting June 11 (Thursday).
According to the US Customs and Border Patrol, the Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport on Saturday and was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.
The CBP neither mentioned the name of the Somali national nor detailed what those concerns were.
It was Omar Artan, an award-winning referee who had a valid visa and was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup.
In a later statement, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport, would play no part in this year’s global event.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
The world soccer governing body emphasised that it was powerless to influence the decision, which it said 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.”
52 referees to officiate World Cup finals
Artan was among the 52 referees FIFA had announced to officiate at the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since he became a FIFA referee in 2018.
The Somali national also officiated at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Algeria, and in 2025 he was named by the Confederation of African Football as men’s referee of the year.
