World Cup referee speaks out after FIFA confirm entry into US has been blocked

Omar Artan, the referee who has been denied entry into the United States despite being included on FIFA's list of officials for the World Cup, has issued a statement after the news was confirmed.

The 34-year-old, who officiated games in the Africa Cup of Nations, was set to become the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals after being selected as one of the continent's representatives by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Artan published a post on his Facebook page last Friday in which he thanked the Somali embassy for their support in obtaining a diplomatic passport, which was issued to ease his travel after earlier visa difficulties.

He travelled from Nairobi to Turkey and then to Miami, but was denied entry into the United States and has since returned to Istanbul. FIFA confirmed Artan will miss the tournament in a statement to SPORTbible.

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," a spokesperson from the world governing body said.

"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Omar Artan pictured alongside Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of the FIFA referees committee. Image credit: Getty

Somalia is one of the countries on US President Donald Trump's travel ban list, but no specific reason has yet been given for Artan's repatriation.

Omar Artan speaks out after FIFA confirm he will miss World Cup

As the fallout continues from the referee being denied entry into the United States, Artan has released a statement in which he addresses the World Cup.

“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career," he told Reuters.

"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."

Artan added: “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup & I look forward to joining them again in future competitions."

Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, has since defended the decision, saying US Customs and Border Protection had made the correct call.

Speaking to the BBC, Giuliani said: "While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection release statement after Artan was barred from entering country

After a “routine” inspection at Miami International Airport, Artan was denied entry to the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not give a specific reason for denying entry to Artan.

A CBP spokesperson said: “On June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport. During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility.

“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.

“All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.

"CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.”