Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artanhas reportedly been denied entry into the United States after arriving for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, who was named CAF Referee of the Year in 2025 and was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly forced to return to Istanbul after being turned away at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid visa.

(Image: Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP via Getty Images)

According to Sky Sports, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed that 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,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

A representative of the Somali government, sports ministry adviser Ciise Aden Abshir, told AFP:

“Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.

“Denying him entry and preventing him from officiating harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.”

This is a developing story.