The Trump administration has shared why Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was not allowed into the United States. He was selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan was one of 52 match officials picked by FIFA for the tournament. He went to Miami for a pre-World Cup training camp. But immigration officials stopped him and ordered him to be deported.
A report by The Athletic states that the White House explained the decision. They said it followed a closer inspection by US border officials after Artan arrived.
A senior administration official told The Athletic: "Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered, making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country, full stop."
This explanation came a few days after Artan said he had all the necessary documents. Speaking to The New York Times, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year said he “had the right papers” and “the right visa” before he started his journey.
But he was reportedly questioned for over 11 hours at Miami International Airport. He was held in a cell and later sent back to Istanbul, Turkey, where his journey started.
The incident has raised concerns in Somalia. The Somali government called Artan “Somalia’s most accomplished sporting figure and a source of immense national pride.”
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somalia said it made efforts to help Artan travel.
“The Federal Government of Somalia undertook diplomatic efforts with the relevant authorities in support of Mr Artan’s travel. Regrettably, these efforts did not result in a favourable outcome,” the ministry said.
The government also praised Artan’s success, saying it inspires young Somalis.
“The Government of Somalia remains immensely proud of Mr Artan’s achievements and contributions. His success continues to inspire Somali youth and demonstrates that talent, commitment, and perseverance can lead to international excellence.”
The ministry confirmed that Artan returned home safely. They thanked countries, institutions, sporting organisations, and individuals who stood by him during this time.
“The Ministry will continue to engage with international partners to seek further clarification regarding this matter and to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens.”
Artan’s exclusion is significant. He passed a tough FIFA selection process to get a spot among the officials for football’s biggest tournament.
FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina had said before: “The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years.”
FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be part of the World Cup. A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.”
Despite this setback, Artan stayed positive. “Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood, and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said.
He has returned to Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero by football fans and stakeholders.
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