Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry ahead of World Cup

Nairobi, Kenya – June 8, 2026 – A major diplomatic and sports incident has unfolded on the sidelines of the World Cup preparations. Somali international referee Omar Artan, officially appointed by FIFA to officiate during the tournament, was denied entry to the United States, one of the host nations.

US customs authorities immediately rejected the official’s entry request, despite his valid accreditation from world football’s governing body.

Diplomatic passport insufficient

The decision came after a lengthy and complex administrative process for the Somali officiating team. Facing initial difficulties obtaining a standard visa, the Somali embassy in Nairobi had supported his application by issuing a diplomatic passport. However, this guarantee from the Somali state did not sway the US immigration services, which maintain extremely strict admission criteria for nationals from the Horn of Africa.

Neither the Somali federation nor US consular authorities have yet provided an official explanation for the refusal.

Blow for 2025’s best African referee

This administrative setback hits one of the continent’s top refereeing figures. Omar Artan had just completed an exceptional season, notably officiating the CAF Champions League second-leg final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. His performances earned him the title of best African referee of 2025 from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This forced exclusion of a FIFA-accredited official reignites the debate over guarantees of free movement for athletes and officials during major sporting events on US soil, just as the World Cup is set to bring nations together there.