U.S. Official Says Somali World Cup Referee Was Denied Entry Over Alleged Terror-Related Associations
A U.S. government official stated Tuesday evening that Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was recently refused entry into the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, was barred because of alleged connections to individuals suspected of involvement with terrorist organizations.
The official, who spoke anonymously due to legal restrictions surrounding visa and immigration matters, said the decision was linked to security concerns involving Artan’s associations.
Earlier that day, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, confirmed that Artan had been denied entry for what he described as a “very good reason.” However, he declined to elaborate on the specific grounds for the decision.
Artan was stopped upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday. In a brief statement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said he had been denied admission due to unspecified “vetting concerns.” The agency did not provide additional details regarding those concerns.
The incident came despite Artan having received a valid U.S. visa only days earlier. According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, which handled the visa application process, the necessary travel documents had been approved before his departure.
In an interview with The New York Times, Artan described being questioned by U.S. border officials for approximately 11 hours after landing in Miami. He said officers asked him about the purpose of his visit and extensively questioned him about political issues in Somalia, as well as the extremist group al-Shabab, which has waged a long-running insurgency against the Somali government.
Artan told the newspaper that he attempted to verify his identity and professional credentials by presenting FIFA documents and photographs from his refereeing career.
Following the lengthy interview, he said he was placed in a holding area before being returned to Istanbul, the city from which he had boarded his connecting flight to the United States.
Reflecting on the experience, Artan suggested that the issue may have been linked to his nationality rather than any action on his part.
“I think that they have a problem with my country,” he told The New York Times. He maintained that he possessed all required travel documentation and said officials never clearly explained why he was refused entry.
Artan’s exclusion from the tournament drew significant attention because of his historic achievement within international football.
The 2025 recipient of Africa’s award for Best Male Referee, Artan had been selected for FIFA’s final list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup. His appointment would have made him the first referee from Somalia ever chosen to officiate at the sport’s biggest event.
FIFA stated that it had no role in the immigration decision and confirmed that U.S. authorities informed the organization that Artan’s status would remain unchanged for the time being.
Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports announced Tuesday that diplomatic efforts were underway, with officials seeking a resolution that could potentially allow Artan to participate in the tournament, which begins Thursday.
Despite the setback, Artan received a hero’s welcome upon returning home.
On Wednesday, large crowds gathered in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, to greet him as he arrived at Aden Adde International Airport. Supporters, government representatives, and members of the country’s football community assembled hours before his arrival.
As he exited the aircraft, cheering supporters carrying Somali flags surrounded him and draped the national flag over his shoulders.
Addressing the crowd, Artan expressed optimism about the future and vowed not to give up on his World Cup ambitions.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he told supporters. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
Following the airport reception, police escorted him to the VIP terminal, where he was formally welcomed by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somali Football Federation, and other dignitaries. He later spoke with reporters about the experience.
The decision to prevent a FIFA-appointed referee from entering a World Cup host nation is considered highly unusual and has attracted international attention.
Artan had been expected to join fellow World Cup referees at a training camp in Miami before the tournament’s opening matches.
The incident has also renewed concerns surrounding U.S. immigration policies. Somalia is among nearly 40 nations affected by travel restrictions introduced under the Trump administration’s immigration measures. Critics have warned that such policies could impact athletes, officials, and supporters from affected countries, even when they possess valid visas and official tournament accreditation.
