World Cup 2026: EFF condemns treatment of Somali referee Omar Artan after US entry denial

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised the United States government following reports that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the country despite being officially appointed by FIFA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the South African political party described the incident as a disgrace and called it an example of the discrimination it believes has already overshadowed the tournament before a ball has been kicked.

EFF Reacts to Reported Entry Denial

Artan was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. The party claimed that he was denied entry upon arrival in Miami despite possessing a valid visa and travelling in his official capacity as a FIFA match official.

The organisation said the incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of African and Global South representatives participating in the tournament.

Criticism of United States Immigration Policies

In its statement, the EFF argued that the situation reflects broader concerns it previously raised when the United States was selected as one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup.

The party accused U.S. authorities of maintaining immigration policies that unfairly affect individuals from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and other regions of the Global South, describing the reported treatment of Artan as evidence of those concerns.

Wider Concerns Ahead of the Tournament

The EFF further stated that the alleged exclusion of Artan is part of what it views as a growing pattern of challenges affecting participants from certain nations ahead of the World Cup.

The statement pointed to reports involving Iran’s national team, claiming that visa-related complications and security concerns forced the country to abandon plans for a training base in the United States and instead relocate preparations to Mexico.

Debate Over Accessibility Continues

The controversy comes amid broader discussions surrounding travel restrictions, visa approvals and accessibility ahead of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host.

With the majority of tournament matches scheduled to take place in the United States, questions continue to be raised about whether all participants, officials and supporters will be able to travel freely and take part in football’s biggest global event.