Somalia Olympic Committee backs referee Omar Artan after U.S. entry denial

Tuesday June 9, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s National Olympic Committee has thrown its weight behind referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after U.S. authorities denied him entry just as he was set for a historic role at the FIFA World Cup.

In a statement released Monday, the committee said Artan’s selection for an international tournament in the United States marked a national honor and a major step forward for Somali sport.

“The selection of a Somali official for such a prestigious platform is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for our entire nation,” the committee said. “It represents the growth, talent and professional integrity of Somali sports on the world stage.”

The committee called on international sports bodies and diplomatic channels to help ensure that fair play and international cooperation are respected.

“Our officials deserve to represent our flag without discrimination and administrative barriers,” the statement said. “We remain committed to ensuring Omar can fulfill his duty and continue making Somalia proud.”

The committee said it was actively working to resolve the entry problem and help Artan take part.

“Sports should have no borders,” it said. “We are currently addressing the entry issue he has faced, and we are doing everything in our power to see him where he belongs on the field representing blue and white.”

The statement followed confirmation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Al Jazeera on Monday that Artan was refused entry after arriving in South Florida on Saturday.

A DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera that Artan was “determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” though no additional details were provided.

Artan’s arrival in the United States indicates that he had been issued a valid visa before his trip.

A FIFA spokesperson ‌said on Monday that Artan will not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup which kicks off on Thursday after he was not allowed to enter 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,” the spokesperson said.

Artan is named among FIFA’s 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was widely expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

The denial has sparked concern in Somalia and among football fans, who worry about the impact of U.S. travel restrictions on Somali nationals and their ability to take part in major international events.

Somalia is among the countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions imposed under President Donald Trump. The measures have restricted entry for Somali nationals, although some diplomatic and official travel may qualify for exceptions.

Artan is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees and was recently named Africa’s best referee for 2025 at the CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco.