Somalia says efforts failed to reverse U.S. entry ban on World Cup referee Omar Artan

MOGADISHU – Somalia said on Friday it had been unable to secure the reversal of a U.S. decision that blocked Somali international referee Omar Artan from entering the country to take part in the FIFA World Cup, despite a coordinated diplomatic push involving several government offices.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said it regretted the circumstances that kept Artan out of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The ministry said it moved quickly after Artan was refused entry to the United States, opening diplomatic channels in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President.

Somali officials, it said, made direct contact with U.S. authorities and FIFA in an effort to have the decision reconsidered, but those attempts did not succeed.

“The extensive efforts undertaken did not succeed in reversing the restriction imposed on the referee,” the ministry said.

Artan had been selected among FIFA’s World Cup match officials and was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s premier international tournament.

The ministry cast him as a symbol of Somali youth talent, resilience and ambition, saying his rise had brought pride and recognition to the country.

“Referee Omar Artan is a clear example of the ability, resilience and hard work of Somali youth,” the statement said. “His international accomplishments are a source of honour for the Somali people and demonstrate that existing challenges cannot prevent our youth from reaching the highest levels globally.”

It also reaffirmed its support for Artan and said it would continue to back his professional growth and future international opportunities.

At the same time, the ministry thanked Somali citizens, sports officials and supporters who stood behind him during the dispute, calling him a national role model whose success continues to inspire younger generations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Artan was denied entry following security vetting procedures, though it has not released additional details. The matter has stirred discussion in Somalia, where his World Cup selection had been widely hailed as a historic moment for the country’s sporting community.

AXADLETM