FIFA release statement after Somali referee turned away at US border
· Yahoo Sports
FIFA has released an official statement after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was unable to enter the U.S.
One of the 52 referees listed on FIFA’s final list of match officials for the upcoming tournament, which is being held across America, Mexico, and Canada, Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport.
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Exactly why he was unable to enter has not been made clear by immigration officials, with Artan now in Turkey with the Somali Football Federation (SFF) having reached out to FIFA for answers.
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That being said, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director for the White House’s Task Force for the tournament, did tell the BBC World Service, via BBC Sport, “While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision.”
As for FIFA, the global governing body of soccer has released a statement after speaking with immigration officials, which reads, “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.
“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. 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.”
Confusion seems to surround the situation, given that, according to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, Artan had in his possession a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, which was intended to ensure smooth passage after prior issues.
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“Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” senior advisor to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports Ciise Aden Abshi said to AFP.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play.”
A FIFA referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and, last year, was named the Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.
Somalia is currently under a full travel ban, as per a proclamation made by U.S. President Donald Trump in June 2025.
“Somalia lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures,” he wrote.
In 2025, Artan was named the Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football -Credit:Visionhaus/Getty ImagesThe proclamation went on to state, “A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia’s territory. The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven.
“Terrorists use regions of Somalia as safe havens from which they plan, facilitate, and conduct their operations. Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States.
“The Government of Somalia struggles to provide governance needed to limit terrorists’ freedom of movement. Additionally, Somalia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.”