Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
World Cup referee Omar Artan has been forced to return home after being denied entry into the United States despite being selected to officiate at the tournament. The Somali official arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday but was refused admission, ending his participation in what would have been a historic appearance at football biggest stage.
Artan had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament. His absence means one of the competition most significant officiating milestones will now be delayed despite his recent rise within African football.
United States authorities deny entry to Somali official
United States Customs and Border Protection confirmed Artan underwent additional screening after arrival before being declared inadmissible.
According to the agency, the additional inspection formed part of normal procedures when officers require further verification or need to determine admissibility.
The agency said the referee was denied entry because of vetting concerns.
Artan had travelled expecting to join tournament preparations and training before officiating matches during the competition. Instead, he was forced to return home immediately after the decision.
The incident quickly attracted attention because of Artan importance within African officiating and the significance of his expected participation.
FIFA confirms Artan will miss tournament
FIFA later confirmed Artan would not participate in the competition.
Football governing body officials said immigration decisions remain under the control of host nations rather than tournament organisers.
FIFA stated that it had been informed Artan immigration status would not change at present.
The governing body added that host governments ultimately determine who receives visas and who can enter the country during FIFA events.
Artan had been selected among the 52 main referees appointed for the World Cup, underlining his standing within international football.
His selection followed a successful period officiating major matches across African competitions.
Rapid rise for one of Africa top referees
Artan recent recognition made his appointment especially significant.
He was named Confederation of African Football men referee of the year in 2025, becoming one of the continent most respected match officials.
His inclusion in the World Cup referee panel was widely viewed as another milestone for Somali football representation on the global stage.
For many observers, his appointment symbolised broader progress for football development within Somalia and East Africa.
The decision preventing his entry means that symbolic moment will not happen at this tournament.
Entry issues continue affecting World Cup participants
Artan is not the only football figure to encounter entry complications ahead of the tournament.
Iraq national team also experienced issues during arrival procedures in the United States.
Striker Aymen Hussein reportedly spent almost seven hours being questioned at Chicago O Hare airport before eventually being allowed entry.
However, team photographer Talal Salah was refused admission and forced to miss the tournament.
Iraq football federation acknowledged the situation through a social media post that also referenced injured player Ahmed Yahya.
The message highlighted that absence does not remove contribution and suggested those unable to attend remain part of the team journey.
Other players also face travel complications
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo also encountered problems before travelling.
The striker was initially denied an ESTA authorisation because of additional checks related to previous legal matters.
Embolo subsequently requested an urgent visa and later received clearance to travel.
However, he did not appear during Switzerland 1 all draw with Australia on Saturday.
The repeated cases have increased attention around travel procedures facing players, staff and officials ahead of major tournaments hosted in the United States.
For Artan, the decision means a landmark moment for Somali football officiating will have to wait despite earning a place among football elite referees.