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Somali referee Omar Artan barred from entering USA ahead of World Cup

Omar Artan, Somali referee and FIFA official since 2018, was denied entry into United States at Miami International Airport. His exclusion highlights concerns over travel restrictions impacting athletes, especially with World Cup in June 2026 approaching in North America.

BRIC Team
BRIC Team
Jun 8, 2026 · 1 min read
Somali referee Omar Artan barred from entering USA ahead of World Cup

Key Takeaways

  • •Omar Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year, was denied entry into the U.S. at Miami International Airport.
  • •Artan is currently in Turkey, awaiting further developments regarding his entry into the U.S.
  • •Somalia remains on a travel ban list established during the Trump administration, influencing Artan's situation.
  • •The World Cup is set to take place from June 12 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
  • •Artan became a FIFA referee in 2018 and has officiated at major tournaments like the African Cup of Nations.

Omar Artan,Somali referee set to make history as first from his country to officiate at World Cup,blocked from entering U.S. Artan stopped at Miami International Airport, now waiting in Turkey for next steps.

Despite being named 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year,U.S. immigration hasn't explained why he was turned back. Somalia's still on travel ban list from Trump era, which might have played role.

Artan, a FIFA referee since 2018,has called matches at big tournaments like African Cup of Nations. His pick as one of 52 referees for upcoming World Cup, set for June 12 to July 19 in Canada,Mexico,and U.S.,highlights his growing stature in football.

This incident grabs attention as talks continue on travel bans affecting athletes and officials from certain nations. With World Cup nearing,what these barriers mean for global sports remains a pressing issue…

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