The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been denied entry into the United States despite possessing a valid visa, according to Somali sports authorities.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to AFP, Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport and denied entry into the United States. The reason for the decision was not immediately disclosed. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, told AFP.