World Cup 2026: Somalia condemns US decision to deny referee Omar Artan entry

Somalia’s government has thrown its full support behind international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after he was denied entry into the United States, a development that ended his hopes of becoming the first Somali official to referee matches at a FIFA World Cup.

Historic Opportunity Ends in Disappointment

Artan had been scheduled to travel to Miami last weekend to join the team of referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to begin next Thursday.

However, his journey was cut short after US immigration authorities reportedly refused to admit him into the country. The Somali referee was forced to return to Turkey, from where he had begun his trip.

Reports indicate that American authorities did not accept the diplomatic passport he was travelling with, although no detailed explanation for the decision has been made public.

Somali Government Expresses Solidarity

In response to the incident, Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports issued an official statement expressing its full support for Artan.

The ministry described the situation as a major setback, noting that the referee had been denied the opportunity to make history as the first Somali official to participate in the management of World Cup finals matches.

Officials also revealed that diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the issue were unsuccessful, ultimately leading to Artan’s exclusion from the list of referees for the tournament being hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Recognition for a Distinguished Career

The ministry praised Artan’s achievements on both the regional and international stage, describing his career as a source of pride for Somali sport.

According to the statement, the government remains committed to supporting the referee and helping ensure he receives opportunities to participate in future international competitions.

The ministry emphasised that Artan’s contributions to football remain significant despite the disappointment surrounding his World Cup absence.

Message of Appreciation

The statement concluded with a message of gratitude to the Somali public, members of the sporting community, and all those who expressed support for Artan following the incident.

Although his dream of officiating at the 2026 World Cup has been cut short, the backing from Somalia’s government and football community reflects the respect he has earned throughout his career and the pride many Somalis take in his achievements on the international stage.