Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.
Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
No reason for Artan’s repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament.
“Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” read a statement.
“Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
Referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has created a training hub for the tournament’s 52 referees and 88 assistant referees, in Miami.
All on-pitch officials must stay at the base in Florida for training, preparation and security.
It would therefore not be possible for Artan to stay outside the United States and only referee matches played in Canada or Mexico.
Credit: bbc.com
