08.06.2026 23:00
Omar Artan, a Somali referee appointed by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was unable to pass the checks at a U.S. border checkpoint and now risks missing the tournament. Somalia is among a list of 19 countries affected by immigration restrictions since Donald Trump's return to the White House. The 34-year-old referee was named the best African referee of 2025.
Somalian referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, failed to pass the inspections at the United States border crossing.
NAMED ''BEST REFEREE,'' UNABLE TO ENTER THE USA
Somalia is on the list of 19 countries affected by immigration restrictions that came into effect after Donald Trump's return to the White House. These strict policies have directly impacted the sports world. Artan, who was chosen as the best African referee of 2025 for his outstanding performance in recent months, now faces the risk of being unable to attend pre-tournament training camps and official matches. The 34-year-old successful referee, who is at risk of missing the tournament, finds himself in the middle of a diplomatic and bureaucratic crisis.
IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER HE WILL STEP ONTO THE FIELD
It has been learned that FIFA officials are conducting crisis diplomacy with US authorities to avoid casting a shadow over the tournament's prestige. However, due to the current strict immigration rules, it remains uncertain whether the successful referee will be able to step onto the field.