Artan was named CAF Referee of the Year 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He had been selected among seven African referees to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026. However, upon arriving at Miami International Airport in the United States, he was refused entry and sent back to Turkey.
U.S. immigration authorities did not provide an official reason for denying Artan entry. However, Somalia is among the countries whose citizens are subject to travel restrictions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Reports indicate that while in Turkey, Artan has been without his laptop and mobile phone because he had travelled using a diplomatic passport. Immigration officials reportedly informed him that such passports are only intended for Somalia’s President, ministers, and members of parliament.
Artan has since been communicating with friends and those assisting him using a new Turkish phone number.
After discussions with U.S. authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer take part in the tournament.
In a statement, FIFA said:
“FIFA confirms that referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be able to participate in training sessions or officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.”
The statement added:
“FIFA does not intervene in the immigration procedures of host countries, including visa-related matters, and has been informed by the relevant authorities that Artan’s situation is unlikely to change.”
A senior adviser to Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports confirmed that Artan had indeed been denied entry into the United States despite possessing valid travel documents.
The Somali Embassy in Kenya told the BBC that Artan had been issued a diplomatic passport to facilitate the visa application process.
The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has written to FIFA requesting clarification over the matter.
Artan was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
He became a FIFA-accredited international referee in 2018 and has officiated in major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 34-year-old referee is expected to return to Somalia on Wednesday.
