Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Award-Winning Somali Referee, Denied Entry to USA Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the US at Miami Airport and returned to Istanbul. Despite holding a valid visa, he was barred under US travel restrictions. Officials have called the denial a blow to football’s fairness, as his status for the tournament remains uncertain.