Somalia criticises US decision to bar World Cup referee | World Cup 2026 News

US Denies Entry to Somali Referee, Impacting World Cup Opportunities

Somalia’s football federation announced that the U.S. government’s denial of entry to renowned referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has thwarted the country’s chance for a historic World Cup debut. Despite possessing a valid visa, Artan was turned away at the U.S. border due to unspecified vetting concerns, leading to his return to Turkey, where he was in transit.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by international officials in securing entry for major sporting events. The federation emphasized that Artan’s absence will have significant implications for Somalia’s representation on a global stage.