By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 9 June 2026 – FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to participate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.
In a statement on Monday, a FIFA spokesperson said that Artan would not be able to take part in training or refereeing duties at 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 spokesperson said.
FIFA said it was not involved in immigration procedures conducted by host countries, including visa decisions.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
The global football body said that, as with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately decides who receives a visa and who is admitted into the country.
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Artan had been selected among match officials for the 2026 World Cup and was expected to take part in preparations ahead of the tournament.
FIFA’s confirmation followed reports that Artan had been denied entry into the United States while travelling for FIFA-related duties.
The incident comes amid U.S. travel restrictions affecting Somali nationals. In June 2025, the United States issued a presidential proclamation restricting entry for nationals of several countries, including Somalia, citing national security and public safety concerns.
Despite the restrictions, exemptions exist for some categories, including lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders and cases considered to be in the U.S. national interest.
No further details were immediately available on the specific reason Artan was denied entry. Somalia’s Federal Government has not yet publicly commented on the matter.