Somali Referee Dropped from World Cup After US Entry Denial

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Miami : Somali referee Omar Artan has been ruled out of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA confirmed on Monday.

Artan, who would have become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, was stopped at Miami International Airport and deemed inadmissible by U.S. authorities following additional vetting. FIFA said it had no role in immigration decisions, which are determined by host countries.

Despite the setback, Artan said he remained focused on his refereeing career and thanked the football community for its support. Somali officials criticised the decision, saying it undermined the principles of fairness and merit in sport.

Artan, the 2025 African Men's Referee of the Year, had been selected among the 52 officials for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Pic Credit: AFP