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Somalia has expressed deep regret after referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from making history as the first Somali official at a World Cup finals.
Artan, named 2025 Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday only to be barred from entry, a decision confirmed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following a routine inspection.
Somalia’s Ministry of Sports said that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and FIFA, “it was not possible to achieve a positive outcome,” reaffirming its unwavering support for Artan.
“He represents the very best of Somali talent,” the ministry added, praising his professionalism and integrity.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously described Artan as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” while a CAF source told AFP that the body could not intervene in the US decision, but “certainly feel sorry for Artan.”
Speaking from Istanbul after being turned back, Artan told the New York Times: “I am very, very disappointed, the biggest dream of my life has been ripped away. I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.”
He recounted undergoing an 11-hour interview and several more hours in a holding cell before being sent back to Turkey.
The decision has sparked outrage in Somalia. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he was “deeply disappointed” and assured Artan that “Africa and the world stand with you,” while ex-government minister Abdirashid Hashi called on FIFA to ensure Artan’s expertise could still contribute to matches in Canada and Mexico.
“He should be judged by his merit and professionalism, not by the passport he carries,” Hashi said, labelling the US action a “political decision.”
