Somali World Cup Referee Denied Entry to U.S., Appointed to UEFA Super Cup
Omar Artan, the first Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport on March 29, 2025—only to be appointed by UEFA to officiate the August Super Cup match just weeks later.
Incident Details
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday. According to Artan, he underwent an 11-hour immigration interview conducted by U.S. border officials. During the interview, he stated he was questioned about his travel history, Somali politics, and his knowledge of the al-Shabab militant group. Artan reported that he presented FIFA documentation and photographs from his career. He was then held in a detention cell and placed on a return flight to Istanbul.
Artan was scheduled to join other World Cup referees at their training base in Miami and was among 52 referees appointed by FIFA to officiate at the finals, which are to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 12 to July 19, 2025.
"I think that they have a problem with my country." — Omar Artan, on the denial of entry
Official Statements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP stated that Artan "underwent additional inspection" and was determined inadmissible due to "vetting concerns." The agency confirmed that all travelers, including World Cup personnel, are subject to inspection on a case-by-case basis.
White House World Cup Task Force: Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, stated that the denial was "the right decision by customs and border patrol" and that anyone "communicating with bad actors that plan harm against the United States of America are not gonna be admitted entrance." He did not elaborate on specific reasons.
Trump Administration Official: An anonymous Trump administration official alleged that Artan had associated with "suspected members of terror organizations."
FIFA: FIFA confirmed that it was informed by U.S. authorities that Artan's status would not change, meaning he will not be able to train or officiate at the 2025 World Cup. FIFA stated that it is not involved in host country immigration processes and that a host government ultimately determines visa and admission decisions. According to sources speaking to BBC Sport, FIFA has committed to paying Artan his full tournament fee despite his non-participation.
Somalia Government: The Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed that Artan was denied entry while traveling with valid documents and stated that its embassy in the U.S. was trying to resolve the issue. Isse Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at the ministry, suggested the refusal might be related to broader travel restrictions on Somalia rather than any specific allegation against Artan. A Somali embassy official in Nairobi confirmed that Artan's diplomatic passport was issued to ease travel after earlier visa difficulties.
Somalia Parliament: Somali MP Ilham Gasser questioned why concerns about alleged terror links were not identified during the visa process if such concerns existed.
Travel Restrictions Context
Somalia is among countries included in a travel ban list implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump. The initial 2017 travel ban included citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia. In December 2024, President Trump stated publicly that he does not want Somali immigrants in the United States. The U.S. is a key partner in countering the militant group Al-Shabab in Somalia.
Artan's Response
Artan expressed disappointment, stating, "I think that they have a problem with my country." He added that he had "the right papers" and "the right visa." In a statement released through FIFA, Artan said, "Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career."
Upon returning to Somalia on Wednesday, Artan landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, where he was greeted by government officials, Somali Football Federation representatives, fellow referees, and local residents. Thousands gathered at a stadium to celebrate his return. Artan stated, "Everything is pre-destined. Fifa supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu. I promise you that I'll be officiating you in the next World Cup."
UEFA Super Cup Appointment
Following the denial of entry to the United States, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12, 2025, in Salzburg, Austria. The appointment was made after discussions between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
"He is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football." — UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin
Background on Omar Artan
Artan, aged 34, was named the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year. He became a FIFA referee in 2018 and has officiated at:
- The African Cup of Nations (Afcon)
- The African Champions League final
- The Somali national league
He was selected by FIFA to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals tournament.