Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from Entering the United States
Omar Artan, a Somali referee who has been a Fifa official since 2018, was prevented from entering the United States. Artan was poised to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Artan, recognized as the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year, was stopped at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. No official explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities regarding his repatriation.
Somalia is among several countries included in a travel ban list implemented during President Donald Trump's administration, which may be related to the denial of Artan's entry.
Artan is one of the 52 referees selected by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 12 June to 19 July.
In addition to his international refereeing career, Artan is an official in the Somali national football league championships. Since becoming a Fifa referee in 2018, he has officiated at major tournaments including the African Cup of Nations (Afcon).
