sports
Top African referee Omar Artan refused access to US and will miss World Cup
Was going to be first Somalian to officiate at a World Cup
TL;DR
- Omar Artan, Somalia's first potential World Cup referee, was denied entry to the US.
- FIFA confirmed Artan will not officiate at the World Cup 2026, attributing the situation to US government immigration processes.
- Artan was refused entry at Miami international airport despite allegedly holding a valid visa.
- Somali officials criticized the decision, stating it undermines football's commitment to fair play and merit.
- This incident follows similar travel issues for Iranian players and officials, and the questioning of Iraq striker Aymen Hussein and Swiss midfielder Breel Embolo upon arrival in the US.