Somali referee denied US entry just days before World Cup begins

FIFA World Cup referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States just days before the tournament begins, leaving his participation in serious doubt. Artan, who is from Somalia, travelled from Nairobi through Istanbul to Miami before being turned away at the border and returning to Istanbul.

Artan was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as one of eight referees to represent the continent at the World Cup, having officiated extensively in the Africa Cup of Nations. Somalia was among 12 countries designated as ‘high risk’ by the US government in December, placing travel restrictions and entry limitations on nationals from those nations.

Despite the initial visa difficulties, FIFA had stated the situation was “fully resolved” and that Artan would be “available to officiate at the FIFA World Cup”. The Somali embassy in Nairobi had intervened to secure him a diplomatic passport in an effort to facilitate his entry. That assurance has now proven premature.

FIFA have been contacted for comment on the latest development. It remains unclear who will replace Artan among CAF’s officiating contingent, should FIFA be unable to secure a reversal from US authorities.

The situation is complicated by the broader political climate surrounding Somalia and the current US administration. President Donald Trump has ordered air strikes on the country since returning to office, citing the presence of militants linked to Islamic State in Africa. Trump has also made repeated public statements about Somali communities in the United States, including remarks that Somali nationals should “go back to where they came from” and that he did not want them in the country.

The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the tournament set to open imminently. CAF’s eight referees are joined by eight from the Asian Football Confederation, 12 from CONMEBOL, 15 from UEFA, and one from the Oceania Football Confederation.