FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been removed from the list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States and sent back upon arrival in Miami.
Artan, 34, reportedly travelled from Kenya through Turkey to Miami International Airport but was refused entry and placed on a return flight back to Turkey. No official reason has been given for the decision.
According to reports, his travel arrangements had been supported by the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, which facilitated a diplomatic passport to assist with visa-related processes.
FIFA had earlier stated that Artan’s visa issues had been resolved and that he would be available to officiate at the tournament. However, in a later statement, the football governing body confirmed his removal from the officiating list.
“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 statement said.
It added that host countries retain final authority over immigration decisions, including visa approval and entry clearance.
Artan, who was named Africa’s Best Referee for 2025 at the CAF Awards, had been widely regarded as one of the continent’s top officials.
The development comes amid broader immigration restrictions affecting several nationals, with Somalia reportedly included on the United States’ travel restriction list.
Despite earlier assurances from FIFA, the referee will now not take part in the upcoming World Cup preparations or officiating duties.