Top African Referee Omar Artan Barred from US, Misses Historic World Cup Opportunity
Top African referee Omar Artan, set to be the first Somalian to officiate at a World Cup, has been denied entry to the United States and will miss the 2026 tournament. FIFA confirmed the decision, attributing responsibility to US authorities, despite Artan allegedly holding a valid travel visa.
Somali officials have condemned the move, citing it as an undermining of football’s fairness and a blow to a highly respected referee. This incident adds to a growing list of immigration challenges faced by players and officials attempting to enter the US for the World Cup.