By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 10 June 26 – Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan thanked FIFA, the Confederation of African Football and the Somali government for their support after returning home following a U.S. entry denial that cost him a 2026 World Cup spot.
Artan was welcomed at Mogadishu airport by Somali government officials and members of the public, after U.S. immigration authorities dashed his dream of being the first Somali national to officiate in a World Cup tournament.
“I deeply thank my country, the Somali people and my government for standing by me and supporting me,” Artan said.He said FIFA had supported him throughout the process and had stood with him until the matter reached its final stage.
“FIFA has supported me incredibly well, stood by me and accompanied me all the way to this point,” he said.
Artan said he remained positive despite the setback and was focused on the next stage of his refereeing career.
“I promise you, God willing, that the next step I take will be towards a good place,” he said.
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He also urged young Somalis not to lose hope in their country, saying Somalia’s flag and passport belonged to all Somalis and should be defended.
“It is not right for our youth to lose hope in our country,” Artan said. “Despite what happened to me, today I am standing up for my country and I am not going anywhere else.”
Somalia’s Sports Minister, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, said the government and Somali people stood with Artan, describing him as a referee whose career could not be stopped by being prevented from entering one country.
The minister said Artan remained one of Africa’s top referees and expressed hope that he would continue to rise in international football.
Artan was one of the 52 referees selected to officiate in the global tournament taking place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.