Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate a World Cup, was denied entry to the U.S. over alleged "association with suspected members of terror organizations." The unprecedented move prompted UEFA to award Artan the 2026 Super Cup assignment. Artan, Africa's 2025 referee of the year, returned to a hero's welcome in Somalia.
Somali referee visa denial
- ▪The decision by a World Cup host country to block a FIFA-appointed match official is considered unprecedented
- ▪Artan was turned away by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at Miami International Airport
- ▪Somali referee Omar Artan, selected for the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry to the United States
- ▪Artan was set to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup
Reasons for U.S. entry denial
- ▪Somalia is one of 12 countries on a travel ban list introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump
- ▪U.S. officials stated the denial was due to "vetting concerns" and Artan's alleged "association with suspected members of terror organizations."
- ▪Artan denied any knowledge of the Somali militant group Al Shabab when questioned by border officials
- ▪U.S. President Donald Trump has previously made disparaging remarks about Somalia and its immigrants, calling them "garbage."
Omar Artan's career and achievements
- ▪Omar Artan, 34, was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year in 2025
- ▪In January 2024, Artan became the first Somali to officiate at the African Cup of Nations
Reactions and consequences
- ▪The UEFA Super Cup match will be between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that host governments ultimately determine who is admitted into their country
- ▪Following the incident, Artan returned to a hero's welcome in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu
- ▪In response to the U.S. denial, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the 2026 Super Cup match on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria
Story comments
Loading comments…