2 min readJun 9, 2026 09:30 AM IST
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be able to officiate FIFA World Cup games this year after he was denied entry into the United States. US Customs and Border Protection said on Monday that a Somali national was denied entry after arriving to Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday.
Artan’s home country, Somalia, is one of the 39 nations affected by the Donald Trump administration’s travel ban. Artan is Africa’s top male referee of 2025 and was chosen by the Confederation of African Football to take part in this year’s World Cup.
While the US Customs and Border Protection initially did not explain why he was denied entry, it later issued an explanation.
“During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in its statement. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”
CBP noted that all travellers seeking entry into the US — including athletes, coaches and staff — are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the CBP statement said. “CBP officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law.”
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Artan wouldn’t be able to officiate at the World Cup.
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“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,” football’s governing body said in a statement.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
(With inputs from AP)
