Somalia Referee Barred from US for World Cup Vows to Participate in Next Tournament

2026 World Cup Key News

(Mogadishu, 10th, Combined Foreign News) Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States and unable to officiate at the World Cup, received a hero's welcome upon his return to Mogadishu and vowed to participate in the next World Cup in 2030.

According to AFP, cheers erupted as Artan stepped off the Turkish Airlines flight. Over a hundred supporters lined up outside the VIP area of Mogadishu's main airport, waving flags to welcome him.

Artan told reporters, "I will participate in the next World Cup and continue to make Somalia proud... Despite what happened, I am not discouraged."

The denial of entry has sparked anger within the country.

Mohamed Said, a Mogadishu government official, said at the airport, "The injustice he suffered pains all who are humanitarian."

Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Men's Referee of the Year last year, was denied entry to the United States upon arriving at Miami International Airport on the 6th.

A US State Department official told AFP late last night that Artan had "associations with suspected terrorist organization members," rendering him "ineligible for entry into the United States."

FIFA also confirmed that he would no longer officiate at the World Cup, which begins tomorrow.

Artan's selection for the list of 52 main referees for this year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States had been a source of pride for his fellow Somalis.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in April that Artan was "a symbol inspiring the new generation of Somalia." (Translated by Ho Hung-ju) 1150610