FIFA has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States, ending his hopes of becoming the first Somali to officiate at the tournament.

Artan, who was named the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, was stopped at Miami International Airport and later repatriated. He is currently in Turkey.

FIFA Confirms Referee’s Removal

In a statement, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer participate in the World Cup after US authorities declined to admit him into the country.

“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.

FIFA added that immigration and visa decisions remain the responsibility of host governments and not the organisation.

No Official Reason Given

US immigration authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for Artan’s denial of entry.

However, Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of Donald Trump.

A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports told the BBC that Artan had travelled with valid documentation, while a Somali embassy official in Nairobi said he was issued a diplomatic passport to ease travel after previous visa difficulties.

Somalia Seeks Clarification

The Somali Football Federation has reportedly contacted FIFA to seek clarification over the incident.

Artan was one of 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Career Milestone Cut Short

Artan became a FIFA referee in 2018 and has officiated in several major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.

His inclusion on the World Cup referees’ list had been widely celebrated in Somalia as a historic achievement for the country’s football community.