Somali football referee Omar Abdelkader Artan has been denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the administration of US President Donald Trump labelled him a national security threat and alleged that he had associations with suspected terrorist organisations.
The decision ended Artan’s hopes of becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a men’s FIFA World Cup despite holding a valid US visa and being named ‘Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025’.
Artan has since returned to Somalia, where he received a hero’s welcome after being turned away by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at Miami International Airport.
The referee had travelled to the United States to participate in officiating duties at the World Cup but was denied entry following what American authorities described as additional screening.
Defending the decision, a Trump administration official told CNN that Artan was found ineligible for admission after border officials uncovered what they described as derogatory information during further inspection.
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by 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,” the official said.
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country, full stop.”
Although US officials did not provide specific details, reports indicated the allegations may be linked to suspected connections with Al-Shabaab terror group, the Somalia-based militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
The decision has sparked criticism from football officials, human rights advocates and Somali authorities, who questioned how Artan was granted a visa by the US Embassy in Nairobi only to be denied entry upon arrival in America.
According to reports, Artan was detained and questioned for about 11 hours in Miami before being placed on a return flight.
Speaking to The New York Times, the referee said US officials questioned him about Al-Shabaab during the interrogation.
Further defending the decision, the White House Task Force Chief for the World Cup said one referee had been excluded from the tournament for what he described as a legitimate security concern.
“There’s been one referee who has not been admitted. And while I can’t go into the details, what I can tell you, high level, is that it was for a very good reason. I support that decision,” he said, according to Reuters.
“I was speaking directly with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of CBP a couple of days ago on this, and it was for a very good reason that ultimately this referee did not get in the country.”
An official of the administration later reiterated that border agents had uncovered information allegedly linking Artan to suspected terrorist associates.
“Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered,” the official said.
“That made the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country, full stop.”
The controversy has cast a shadow over preparations for the World Cup, which is being jointk hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
It also came amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Last year, Washington imposed a travel ban affecting citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia.
A spokesperson for FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer participate in officiating or training activities at the tournament.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Somalia’s government expressed disappointment over the incident and revealed that efforts had been made to secure Artan’s entry into the United States.
In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports described the referee’s accomplishments as a source of national pride.
“His international achievements are a source of honour and pride for the Somali people,” the ministry said.
The Somali Football Federation also criticised the decision, describing Artan’s World Cup appointment as a historic achievement earned through years of dedication and professionalism.
The federation said it had not received an official explanation for the denial of entry and was working with FIFA and relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Despite the controversy, Artan remained composed as he prepared to return home.
“I feel very good now,” he told Reuters before departing Istanbul for Somalia.
“And I wanted to thank FIFA for supporting me all the way, and the Somali people also. So I am very grateful for FIFA and CAF also.”
