Micah Richards demands FIFA act after Somali referee denied entry to World Cup host US

Omar Artan, who would have been the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, has been denied entry to the United States just days before the tournament kicks off this summer across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The refusal has drawn sharp criticism from former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender Micah Richards.

Richards, speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, made clear his frustration at the situation and called on football’s governing bodies to respond without delay.

“Imagine taking that dream away from the referee who has worked for this moment,” Richards said. “To have it stripped away from you, it just doesn’t feel right. It’s not a good look, something needs to be done now. They need to do something and they need to do it quickly.”

Artan’s exclusion is particularly significant given the historic nature of his appointment. No referee from Somalia had previously been selected to officiate at a World Cup, making his inclusion a landmark moment for the country’s football development.

The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City, followed by Czechia against South Korea in the second Group A fixture later the same day. The tournament’s opening stages will be spread across venues in all three host nations.

The circumstances surrounding Artan’s denied entry have not been fully detailed in official statements, but the incident has quickly become one of the most talked-about controversies in the build-up to the tournament. Richards’ comments reflect a wider unease about the situation, with calls growing for FIFA and the relevant authorities to address the matter before the competition progresses further.