Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP
Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US
Somalia on Tuesday defended award-winning referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals.
In a statement, Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" over Artan's denial of entry, saying despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was "not possible to achieve a positive outcome".
Artan, who in 2025 was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.
Artan's appointment had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots, the country's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declaring in April he was "a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis".
A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection.
He was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Somali reaffirmed "its unwavering support" for Artan adding it "has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally."
"Artan represents the very best of Somali talent," reads the statement.
FIFA confirmed to AFP Artan will not be participating in the quadrennial football extravaganza set to start on Thursday.
He "will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," a FIFA spokesperson said.
A source at CAF told AFP on Tuesday the continental body could not intervene, but added: "We certainly feel sorry for Artan."
- Football should unite -
A government adviser in Mogadishu told AFP earlier Monday that Artan had a valid visa for the US.
Artan's rejection has sparked outrage.
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he was "deeply disappointed" and assured Artan that "Africa and the world stand with you."
"He represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe excellence should be recognized on the world stage," Khaire wrote on X.
Ex-Somali government minister Abdirashid Hashi called on FIFA to stand with Artan, saying, "Football is supposed to unite people, not exclude."
He "should be judged by his merit and professionalism -- not by the passport he carries," Hashi added, describing the move as a "political decision" by the United States.
"I hope Canada and Mexico issue visas to Artan. There is no reason a referee denied entry to one host country cannot still contribute to a World Cup being hosted across three countries," he added.
In a statement to AFP, Artan said he was in a "positive mood" and focussed on the "next challenges" in his career.
Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
C.Mitchell--CT
