The White House has defended its decision to deny entry to award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, as visa restrictions and border checks emerge as one of the most controversial issues surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said U.S. authorities had denied entry to several tournament officials for security reasons, insisting the decisions were justified despite growing criticism from football authorities and participating nations.
Speaking at an Atlantic Council event in Washington on Tuesday, Giuliani said no players or coaches had been refused entry to the United States.
“There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason,” he said.
His exclusion has sparked international debate because Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
