Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied visa by USA
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NAIROBI / MIAMI
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a listed referee on FIFA's 52-man World Cup officiating roster, was sent back upon arrival in South Florida on Saturday — just days before the tournament kicks off on June 11.
According to reports, Artan received support from the Somali Embassy in Nairobi and was even issued a diplomatic passport to assist with visa-related procedures. However, U.S. authorities allegedly refused him entry upon arrival and immediately returned him to his point of departure.
The U.S. government confirmed the incident. "Artan was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry," a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said in a communication, without providing further details. Artan had traveled with a valid visa.
Travel Ban Fallout
Somalia is on President Donald Trump's travel ban list. Trump has often mocked the African country and its people, most recently last year when he called Somali immigrants in the U.S. "garbage" — a statement that sparked widespread outrage.
The denial of Artan's entry has sparked intense discussion and discontent across African football circles and within the Somali government itself, especially given Artan's growing reputation on the continent.
Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Somali Football Federation expressed intense displeasure. They noted that Artan was traveling with a valid diplomatic passport and visas, making the DHS's refusal to admit him deeply concerning. They emphasized that the decision undermines fairness and sporting merit.
African Football Rallies Behind Artan
African football fans and sports analysts have rallied behind Artan, who made history as the first Somali referee selected for the World Cup. Many view the denial — reportedly linked to U.S. immigration vetting and the travel ban on Somalia — as an unfair politicization of sports.
Despite being dropped from the tournament (all on-pitch officials will be based in Miami), Artan responded politely, thanking FIFA and CAF for their support and wishing his colleagues success.
Artan has rapidly grown into one of the most capable officials on the continent. His selection to officiate the second leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns underscored his rising stature.
He was also crowned CAF African Referee of the Year 2025, cementing his status as one of Africa's most respected match officials.
Torch Media Africa
