Omar Artan, set to be the first Somali referee at a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly refused entry to the U.S. at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid visa. U.S. officials have not given a reason; Somali authorities point to travel restrictions affecting Somalia and to hostile rhetoric directed at Artan. Several other players and staff — including Iranian team personnel, Breel Embolo and Aymen Hussein — have reported visa refusals or detentions. With the tournament days away, federations warn these issues risk overshadowing the event.
Historic Appointment Thwarted: Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied U.S. Entry Ahead of World Cup
Omar Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees and poised to become the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly denied entry to the United States after arriving at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid travel visa.
U.S. authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the refusal. Artan, his supporters and Somali officials note that Somalia is among the countries affected by current U.S. travel restrictions, and they say Artan has faced hostile rhetoric from President Trump since the president's return to office.
Ciise Aden Abshir, an adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, told Agence France-Presse: Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community. Denying him entry and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms him personally and undermines football’s commitment to fairness and merit.
The incident is one of several entry-related problems reported in the run-up to the tournament. Iranian team staff say some visas were refused, Cameroonian-born Swiss midfielder Breel Embolo was reportedly denied entry, and Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein says he was detained and questioned at Chicago O’Hare Airport for seven hours.
FIFA and U.S. authorities had more than a year to coordinate logistics, including accreditation and visas for players, officials and support staff. With the World Cup only days away, affected federations warn these avoidable issues risk overshadowing the competition and damaging its reputation for inclusivity.
FIFA has been asked for comment, and Somali officials are seeking clarification from U.S. authorities about Artan’s case and the broader pattern of visa and entry problems. It remains unclear whether Artan will be able to take part in his scheduled assignments at the tournament.
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