Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry to US for World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:12 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was denied entry to the United States early this week after arriving in Miami. Artan was scheduled to be the first Somali referee officiating at the World Cup, following his selection by FIFA. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited ‘vetting concerns’ without disclosing details, leading to Artan’s removal from the tournament. The Somalia Sports and Youth Ministry is currently working through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue before the World Cup begins this Thursday.
- •Omar Artan was to become Somalia's first World Cup referee.
- •Denial due to vetting concerns at Miami International Airport.
- •FIFA has stated it was not involved in the entry process.
- •Somalia's Sports Ministry seeks to resolve the entry issue.
- •World Cup begins this Thursday with ongoing preparations.
- 10:12 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup ref from Somalia who was denied entry to the US was about to make history for his country
"The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami and subsequently dropped from the tournament by FIFA was set to make history for his country. Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament, which was announced two months ago.
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