WASHINGTON — U.S. officials denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan at Miami International Airport over the weekend, citing security concerns linked to alleged associations with suspected members of terror organizations.
The decision, made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Saturday, prevented Artan from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he had been selected as one of the match officials. Artan, named Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at the tournament.
A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said derogatory information was discovered during secondary inspection, including Artan's association with suspected members of terror organizations, making him inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Artan, who arrived from Istanbul with a valid diplomatic passport and visa, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns. He was denied entry after an extended interview process lasting about 11 hours, according to reports citing the referee.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA World Cup task force, defended the decision. "Anyone who is communicating with bad actors that plan harm against the United States of America are not gonna be admitted entrance," he said.
FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to train or officiate at the tournament. The organization stated it was not involved in host country immigration decisions.
Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday and received a hero's welcome from supporters and officials. He described the denial as "unfortunate" and a matter of fate, urging Somalis not to lose heart, according to Reuters.
The incident has drawn attention amid the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Somali officials and fans expressed disappointment, while the U.S. maintained its national security priorities. Details of the specific allegations against Artan remain unclear, and he has not been charged with any crime.
Artan told media outlets he presented FIFA accreditation and documentation during questioning but was still turned away. The referee had been in Turkey before attempting to enter the U.S. for pre-tournament preparations in Miami.
As of Wednesday, no further updates on potential appeals or additional statements from U.S. authorities were available. FIFA has adjusted its referee roster accordingly for the ongoing tournament.
