Somali referee Omar Artan, who was poised to become the first official from his country to feature at a World Cup finals, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States.
Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year, was stopped at Miami International Airport and subsequently returned, with reports indicating he is currently in Turkey.
US immigration authorities have not provided an official reason for his removal. However, Somalia is among several countries reportedly affected by a travel restriction policy introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The referee is one of 52 officials selected by FIFA to handle matches at the upcoming World Cup finals scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 12 to July 19.
Artan, who officiates in the Somali national football league, became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has since officiated at major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
