Somalia’s trailblazing official turned back at Miami airport, sparking concerns over fairness ahead of FIFA World Cup

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to officials from Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Artan, poised to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, was stopped on arrival at Miami International Airport and placed on a return flight to Istanbul, where he is based.

Authorities have yet to publicly disclose the reason for the decision. However, Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, raising speculation over possible links.

The development has drawn criticism from Somali officials and the wider football community. Ciise Aden Abshir, senior adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected referees.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir said in comments to AFP.

He warned that barring the referee from entering the United States could undermine the integrity of the sport. “Preventing him from officiating scheduled matches is unfair and goes against the principles of merit, fairness, and the spirit of the game,” he added.

Artan is among 52 match officials selected by FIFA for the upcoming World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico between June and July.

Since earning FIFA accreditation in 2018, Artan has built a strong international profile, officiating domestic league matches in Somalia and rising steadily through global football ranks. He handled fixtures at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

In April, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed Artan’s historic World Cup selection, praising his professionalism and describing him as an inspiration to young Somalis.

The incident now casts uncertainty over his participation in the tournament and raises broader questions about access, inclusion, and fairness in global sporting events.