WHO chief backs Somali referee denied U.S. entry before World Cup
He said Artan had reached the pinnacle of his profession and, in the process, inspired a generation of young Somalis with his accomplishment.
Thursday June 11, 2026
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday threw his support behind Somali referee Omar Artan after reports emerged that he had been refused entry to the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
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“Omar Artan didn’t just make the FIFA World Cup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what,” Tedros said on X.
He said Artan had reached the pinnacle of his profession and, in the process, inspired a generation of young Somalis with his accomplishment.
“So sorry to see this, Omar. You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that,” he added.
Tedros also said he believed Artan would remain on the international stage and continue to referee at top tournaments.
“This won’t be the end of your story on the world stage. The world stands with you as one family, wishing you resilience now and many more major finals to come. Solidarity,” he said.
Artan had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
A proclamation issued by US President Donald Trump on June 4 2025 fully bars Somali nationals from entering the country, saying: “The entry into the United States of nationals of Somalia as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.”
