Tag: Omar Artan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday described as “unfortunate” the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States of America for the World Cup 2026.

“It is unfortunate as well what happened to… Omar, the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything,” Infantino said at a press conference on the eve of the tournament.

“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, we are a sports organisation,” he added.

Artan, voted Africa’s top men’s referee last year, insisted he had the correct visa to enter the United States, but he was turned back at Miami International Airport and then put on a flight back to Turkey over the weekend.

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A US State Department official said the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, therefore “making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States”.

Artan would have been the first match official from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals.

Infantino was asked by a British reporter if he felt FIFA had “lost control” of its own tournament because of the case of Artan and also Washington’s decision to refuse visas for 15 members of the Iran team’s support staff.

“In 2035, I think, we hope, the women’s World Cup will be in the UK. Would you find it normal that FIFA would dictate to the British government who to let into the country and who not to let in the country? I don’t know, maybe you find it normal?” Infantino asked.

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Gianni Infantino called on the media to “chill and relax,” clarifying later that he did not mean to imply that FIFA was not doing anything about issues such as visas.

“When I say chill, I don’t mean to chill and do nothing, I mean to trust us that we are working behind the scenes, trying to understand,” he said.

“Our world is a very aggressive world; security rules above everything.”

The FIFA president stated that the governing body successfully brought Iran to the USA for the mega-event, despite the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

“It has been successful to bring Iran to play in America, I don’t know who would’ve managed to do that … we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, and we try our best,” he stated.

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Somalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals.

In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome”.

Artan, an award-winning referee, was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.

A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection.

He was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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Somali reaffirmed “its unwavering support” for Artan, adding it “has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.”

“Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” reads the statement.

FIFA confirmed to AFP that Artan will not be participating in the World Cup set to start on Thursday.

“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 FIFA spokesperson said.

A source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) told AFP on Tuesday that the continental body could not intervene, but added: “We certainly feel sorry for Artan.”

Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

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MIAMI: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry into the United States of America (USA), ending what would have been a historic appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

Artan had been selected among the match officials for the World Cup and was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the prestigious event.

However, his participation was brought to an abrupt halt after US authorities refused him admission despite him holding a valid visa.

According to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Artan arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday but was found inadmissible following a vetting process.

The agency confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday but did not disclose the specific reasons behind it.

The development has sparked fresh debate over US immigration policies ahead of the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Concerns had previously been raised regarding travel restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Somalia.

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Following discussions with American authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to take part in the tournament.

“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,” the governing body said in a statement.

“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.”

Artan is regarded as one of Somalia’s most accomplished football officials and had earned widespread recognition for becoming the first referee from the East African nation to receive a World Cup appointment.

His absence represents a significant disappointment both personally and for Somali football, which viewed his selection as a landmark achievement on the global stage.

At the time of reporting, Somalia’s embassy in Washington had not publicly commented on the matter.

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