Omar Artan, Africa's referee of the year in 2025, landed in Miami on Monday expecting to make history as the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. Instead, he was denied entry and swiftly put on a plane back to Mogadishu – after US officials said he had “association with suspected members of terror organisations”.
The 34-year-old carried a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa, but US Customs and Border Protection stopped him at Miami International Airport following his flight from Istanbul. A Trump administration source said: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.”
“Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry for World Cup over alleged terror links despite diplomatic passport.”
Somalia is one of 12 countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump. Artan told the New York Times he was questioned over his links to Somali militant group Al Shabab and had told border officials he knew nothing about the group. The administration source added: “President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
By Wednesday, Artan was back in Mogadishu. At Aden Adde International Airport, he was greeted by government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees and local residents. He was later due to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace and attend a match at Mogadishu Stadium.
Speaking briefly to the media at the airport, Artan said: “I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport].” He added: “Everything is pre-destined. Fifa supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu. I promise you that I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”
The ban comes days before the tournament is set to begin, and President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the US opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles; Secretary of State Marco Rubio will go instead. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, speaking at a press conference at Estadio Azteca, expressed relief that the Iranian national team could participate despite political obstacles – but also faced anger over the Artan visa backlash. Artan, reflecting on the missed opportunity, said: “What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me.”