Somali referee vows to attend next World Cup after US entry denial
Omar Artan, a Somali referee, received a hero’s welcome in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup. Despite the setback, Artan expressed determination to participate in the next tournament in 2030. His rejection has sparked outrage in Somalia, with officials and citizens rallying behind him. Artan remains committed to making Somalia proud on the international stage.
Match highlights
- Omar Artan was barred from entering the US after arriving at Miami International Airport.
- He was named men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2025.
- A US State Department official said Artan was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations”.
- FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer be part of the World Cup set to start on Thursday.
- Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, described Artan as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”.
