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Somali referee welcomed home after US World Cup entry denial

According to Neelav Chakravarti in Hindustan Times, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a large public welcome in Mogadishu after he was denied entry to the United States ahead of…

Aksel Kryhlmand

·

June 10, 2026

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Artan had been named on FIFA’s final list of match officials for the tournament, but was stopped at Miami International Airport on Saturday. US Customs and Border Protection said he was found inadmissible after inspection, citing “vetting concerns”. FIFA later removed him from its list of officials.

The Somali Embassy in Kenya said Artan had been issued a visa to travel to the US. The case has drawn attention at a time when the United States has introduced new travel restrictions affecting nearly 40 countries, including Somalia.

Entry refusal and FIFA removal

US Customs and Border Protection said admissibility decisions are made individually, based on law enforcement, national security and immigration information available at the time of inspection. The agency also said its officers have the authority to question travellers, carry out inspections and determine whether they may enter the country under US law.

Andrew Giuliani, the White House official overseeing World Cup matters, said 35 teams had entered the United States and that no players or coaches had been turned away. He added that some officials had been denied entry, saying the US was trying to prevent “bad actors” from entering the country under the cover of the tournament.

A public show of support in Mogadishu

Artan was greeted by hundreds of supporters and officials when he returned to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. Supporters waved Somali flags, and he was escorted by police officers to the airport’s VIP terminal.

Officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Somalia Football Federation and other dignitaries were among those present to welcome him.

Speaking to the crowd, Artan said he remained determined to officiate at a future World Cup. “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said.

He also urged Somalis to remain confident, saying it was the responsibility of everyone to defend the country’s name. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state,” he said. “That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”

Sources: www.hindustantimes.com