From Dispatch Room
A United States official has claimed that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the country because of alleged links with suspected members of terror organisations.
Artan, 34, was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals. He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry United States visa.
The referee, who was named Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was among 52 officials selected for the World Cup. He had been travelling to Florida, where on-pitch officials are based for training, preparation and security during the tournament.
According to a Trump administration source quoted by BBC Sport, United States Customs and Border Protection discovered “derogatory information” during further inspection. The official claimed the information included association with suspected members of terror organisations, making Artan ineligible for admission under United States immigration law.
Artan reportedly told The New York Times that he was questioned by border officials over alleged links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab. He said he knew nothing about the group.
After being refused entry, Artan was detained for several hours before being put on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey. He later arrived back in Somalia on Wednesday, where he was received by government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees and residents.
Upon arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Artan thanked Somalis for their support and said FIFA had remained in contact with him until he returned home. He also said he remained determined to officiate at the next World Cup.
“I promise you that I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup,” he said.
Artan later met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace and was expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium.
The case has raised fresh concerns about the political and security complications surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Somalia is one of the countries affected by the United States travel ban introduced under President Donald Trump. The ban places restrictions on entry into the United States for nationals of several countries, including Somalia.
Officials said Artan could not remain outside the United States and officiate only matches in Canada or Mexico because all on-pitch World Cup referees are based in Florida.
Artan, who has been a FIFA referee since 2018, described officiating at the World Cup as one of the biggest dreams of his life. His removal from the tournament has drawn strong reaction in Somalia, where crowds gathered to welcome him home.
— Newspot Nigeria
