09.06.2026 18:31
FIFA announced that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the USA, will not be able to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Omar Artan spoke for the first time in Istanbul after being barred from entering the US due to a visa issue. The Somali referee said, "I am very, very disappointed. I am just a referee trying to fulfill my dream. Going to the World Cup was the biggest dream of my life."
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has announced that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the USA, will not be able to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
WILL NOT OFFICIATE AT THE WORLD CUP
In a statement, FIFA noted that the situation of the 34-year-old Somali referee cannot be changed, stating, "FIFA is not involved in the host country's immigration processes, including visa assessments, and has been informed by the authorities that Mr. Artan's situation will not be altered at this time."
RETURNED TO ISTANBUL AFTER BEING DENIED ENTRY TO THE USA
Somali football referee Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport, denied entry to the USA, and was sent back to Istanbul yesterday. The experienced official, who was named Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025, was also preparing to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.
SPOKE OUT FROM ISTANBUL
Speaking for the first time after being denied entry to the USA, Artan said in an interview with The New York Times, "I am very, very disappointed. I am just a referee trying to fulfill a dream. Going to the World Cup was the biggest dream of my life."