Referee Omar Artan Returns to Somalia After US Visa Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States due to his "association with suspected members of terror organisations," according to a US official.
The 34-year-old, who was named Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was poised to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals. However, he was refused entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
Somalia is among 12 countries subject to a travel ban implemented by President Donald Trump.
Artan returned to Somalia on Wednesday.
A Trump administration official stated:
"This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Customs and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)."
"The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA."
"President Trump's administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country - full stop."
has reached out to Artan for comment.
Upon arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Artan was welcomed by government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and local residents. He later met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace.
He is scheduled to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon and watch a match between Heegan and Dekadaha.
At the airport, Artan made a brief statement to the media, expressing his determination to officiate at the 2030 World Cup but declined to answer journalists' questions.
"I'd like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I'll get more support outside [the airport]," Artan said, with his words translated into English by the BBC.
"Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu."
"I promise you that I'll be officiating you in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I'm letting you know."
Referee Case Raises Questions About FIFA's World Cup Control
Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year in 2025, was among 52 referees selected for the tournament.
His aspirations were halted when he attempted to travel to the on-pitch officials' base in Florida. Artan told the New York Times he endured an 11-hour immigration interview and was detained for several hours before being placed on a flight back to Istanbul, Turkey.
Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said:
"While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."
It was not feasible for Artan to remain outside the United States and officiate matches in Canada or Mexico, as all on-pitch officials were based in Florida for training, preparation, and security.
President Trump imposed a full entry ban under any visa category for 12 countries, including Somalia, in June 2025.
Two days before the World Cup draw in December 2025, Trump attracted widespread attention for remarks about Somalia ahead of a planned immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, a state with a large Somali community.
"With Somalia, which is barely a country, you know, they have no anything," he said.
"They just run around killing each other. There's no structure."
He added that Somali immigrants should "go back to where they came from" and that the US would "go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage to our country."
Upon his return, Artan urged Somali youth not to lose hope despite his treatment, stating:
"Let's all defend Somalia's honour. We all belong to Somalia whether it's bad or good.
That flag is ours and so is the passport - let's defend it.
The youth shouldn't be demoralised about their country. Despite this happening to me, I'll still stand for my nation.
I want to continue my journey from here and urge the youth to do the same."
Artan said the decision to bar him from entering the US for the World Cup was "unfortunate."
He has been a FIFA referee since 2018.
Artan described officiating at a World Cup as "the biggest dream of my life."
Homemade Hats & Social Media Stars - Artan Given 'Hero's Welcome'
Hundreds gathered at Mogadishu Airport to warmly welcome Omar Artan.
Some attendees carried banners with supportive slogans, while others wore specially made hats featuring Artan's image, reflecting his status as a national icon.
Social media celebrities also posed for photos with Artan and live-streamed the event on their platforms.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there was visible frustration that the first Somali World Cup referee was denied entry to the United States.
Artan expressed gratitude for the reception and appeared determined to continue his career, telling friends he was ready to resume training immediately.
Following the press conference, he received a grand farewell. Thousands more are expected to greet him at Mogadishu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, promising another hero's welcome.
