By Staff Reporter
The United States has denied entry to renowned Somali referee Omar Artan, preventing him from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and sparking fresh debate over US immigration and travel policies.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Artan arrived in South Florida on Saturday but was deemed “inadmissible due to vetting concerns” and was subsequently refused entry. Officials did not provide additional details regarding the decision.
Artan, one of Africa’s most respected football referees, had been selected among FIFA’s 52 match officials for the World Cup and was set to become the first Somali referee in history to officiate at the tournament.
The incident has drawn attention because Artan reportedly possessed a valid visa before travelling to the United States. Somalia remains on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, a policy that has faced criticism from human rights groups and immigrant advocates.
The controversy adds to growing concerns surrounding travel restrictions during the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Similar visa-related issues have affected members of Iran national football team, with some staff reportedly denied entry into the US.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticised plans to increase immigration enforcement during the tournament. He argued that immigrants are vital to the sport, contributing as players, coaches, stadium workers and supporters.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the decision, saying individuals should not be denied entry solely because of their nationality. CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell described the policy as inconsistent with American values and fairness.
US authorities defended the move, stating that all travellers are subject to individual inspections at ports of entry, regardless of their role in international sporting events. DHS said admissibility decisions are based on law enforcement, national security and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
Earlier this year, Artan spoke about his journey from conflict-ridden Somalia to football’s highest stage. He described qualifying for the World Cup as a dream achieved through perseverance despite security challenges and violence in his homeland.
His exclusion has now raised questions about whether travel restrictions could affect the participation of athletes, officials and support staff during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
