Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was turned away at Miami International Airport and flown back to Istanbul, despite holding a valid visa and being exempt from the US travel ban for major sporting events.
Artan, Africa's top referee in 2025, had been traveling to the US for training with fellow referees. Border officers deemed him inadmissible, citing unspecified “vetting concerns.” The decision came after US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to bar Iran from the tournament and heightened immigration enforcement.
The Somali government said it had made “extensive diplomatic efforts” and engaged in negotiations with US authorities, but without success. FIFA stated the matter fell under US immigration jurisdiction, but Somali officials believe FIFA bears responsibility.
Upon his return to Mogadishu, Artan received a hero's welcome at the airport. He addressed supporters, saying: “Somalia belongs to all of us. Whether times are good or difficult, I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country.”
A US official later claimed Artan was denied entry due to alleged links to individuals suspected of involvement with “terrorist” organizations. However, former Somali diplomat Abukar Arman described the decision as “another manifestation of Trump’s vindictive and obsessive politics.”
Sports immigration lawyer Chris Carr called the decision “highly surprising” given Artan's public profile and the extensive vetting required for a visa. Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said there was “a good reason” but provided no details.
Artan, named African Referee of the Year in 2025, had been selected for the World Cup after debuting at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His participation was seen as a milestone for Somali football, inspiring pride among fans.
The controversy drew sharp criticism from international figures. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, ex-UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the decision. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted: “This won’t be the end of your story on the world stage.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com