A prominent African match official selected for duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reportedly been prevented from entering the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to a report by The Guardian.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was appointed by FIFA to work at this summer’s competition, was allegedly stopped by authorities at Miami International Airport over the weekend.

Artan had been set to make history as the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

Authorities have not publicly explained why he was denied entry.

Somalia is among the nations affected by a travel restriction introduced under the Trump administration. However, it remains unclear whether that measure played any role in the decision involving Artan.

The incident has reportedly drawn criticism from Somali officials, who stressed that Artan secured his World Cup appointment through his performances and qualifications.

Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former captain of the national team, described Artan as one of the continent’s most highly regarded referees and called on the football community to stand behind him.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Aden Abshir told The Guardian.

Artan is believed to be in Istanbul, Turkey, where he has spent much of the past several months.

A FIFA-listed referee since 2018, Artan has overseen matches in a number of major African tournaments, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2025, he was recognized as Africa’s top referee.

FIFA included Artan in the officiating group selected for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The upcoming tournament will be the first World Cup to feature 48 participating nations and will consist of a record 104 matches.

Earlier, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan’s selection, saying his achievement served as an inspiration to young people across Somalia.

FIFA has yet to clarify whether Artan will still be able to perform his duties at the tournament or whether another official will take his place.