Omar Artan was deemed “inadmissible due to vetting concerns” by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, per multiple reports
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NEED TO KNOW
- A Somali referee set to officiate the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been denied entry into the United States, according to multiple reports
- Omar Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday, June 6, days before the tournament was set to begin
- Officials reportedly claimed Artan was “inadmissible due to vetting concerns”
A Somali referee set to officiate a game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reportedly been denied entry into the U.S. just days before the tournament is set to start.
Omar Artan, 34, will no longer participate in the World Cup this summer after landing at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday, June 6, ESPN, The New York Times and CNN reported Monday, June 8, citing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility," CBP said in its statement, per the outlets. "Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."
The government agency added that the rules apply to all travelers, whether they are athletes, coaches, staff or fans.
PEOPLE reached out to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
FIFA confirmed Artan was denied entry, telling PEOPLE in a statement on Tuesday, June 9, that he "will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States."
"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 association continued. "In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."
Artan was the only individual out of 170 officials, including referees, assistant referees and video match officials, who would have been representing Somalia, according to the Final List of Match Officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
"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. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," the organization said, the outlets reported.
FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 until July 19, and features 48 teams playing in venues across Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
Before he was denied entry, Artan shared his excitement for his trip, thanking the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya in a Facebook post.
He reposted a message from the Somali Embassy that read, “The Ambassador congratulated the judge for the hard work, ability and good reputation he earned in this international opportunity, noting that his success is a honor for Somalia and all the Somali people. Also, the Ambassador encouraged him to double his efforts and represent his country in a polite, professional and high ethics."
“Judge Cumar Cabdulqaadir Cartan thanked the embassy for the support and welcoming, saying that the encouragement and support of the government agencies are important for the development and success of the Somali youth representing their country,” the embassy continued.
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Artan has been met with support after being denied entry into the U.S.
“When I received the news, I nearly collapsed because I had high hopes in him,” Ibrahim Abukar Ahmed, 27, a resident of Mogadishu, the Somali capital, said per the NYT. “Today is a sad day not only for Artan, but for millions of Somalis.”
Read the full article here
