Somalia Regrets U.S. Denial of Entry to FIFA Referee Omar Artan

Thursday June 11, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday voiced strong regret after the United States refused entry to Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been set to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Somali officials had worked through diplomatic channels with U.S. authorities to secure Artan’s travel, but those efforts failed to yield a positive result.

“The Government of Somalia remains immensely proud of Mr. Artan’s achievements and contributions,” the ministry said. “His success continues to inspire Somali youth and demonstrates that talent, commitment, and perseverance can lead to international excellence.”

The ministry called Artan, who was named CAF male referee of the year in 2025, Somalia’s most accomplished sports figure and said he had become a symbol of national pride.

It also expressed appreciation to the countries, institutions, sporting organizations and individuals that voiced support for Artan after he was turned away from entering the United States.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia will continue engaging with relevant partners to seek further clarification regarding this matter and to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens,” the ministry said. “Welcome home, Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The Somali people stand proudly with you and celebrate your remarkable achievements.”

Artan landed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, where he was greeted by government officials, football representatives and supporters waving Somali flags.

He had been expected to make history as the first Somali referee to take charge of a FIFA World Cup match after being included on FIFA’s final list of tournament officials for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking after his return, Artan said the decision to block his entry was unfortunate, but he thanked FIFA for standing by him.

“What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me,” Artan said. He urged his supporters to stand behind their country. “Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.

Artan urged Somali youth not to lose hope in their country and said he remained proud to return home.

He told supporters he remained hopeful about future opportunities.

“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said as hundreds of supporters at the airport waved the Somali flag. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”

The Trump administration said Tuesday that Artan was denied entry because of alleged links to “suspected members of terror organizations.” But did not provide any detailed evidence supporting the allegation.

Artan’s exclusion has stirred anger and disappointment across Somalia, where his selection for the World Cup had been hailed as a landmark moment for Somali football and a rare flash of international recognition for the country’s sporting community.