Overview:
An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 Fifa World Cup after being barred from entering United States, FIFA has confirmed.
Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
“Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” read a statement as published by BBC Sport.
“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.”
Though no reason has been given for his denial, his country, Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration and that could probably be the reason.
Last year in August, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that none will be barred from the World Cup and that this was meant to be an occasion to unite everyone.
“I think it’s important to clarify this. There is a lot of misconception out there. Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year.
“There is a process to go through to get visas and so on. This process will be smoot. We want to unite the world and we will unite the world next year. The world needs occasions of unity, of bringing teams together, of bringing people together, of bringing fans together… So again, everyone will be welcome, be positive and you will see it will be a great, great celebration.”
Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.
An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
He handled the second leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League in Morocco which Mamelodi Sundowns edged on aggregate after drawing 1-1 with AS FAR.
Besides denying Artan entry, several other teams have had to go through rigorous checks with the national teams of Uzbekistan, Senegal, Iran and Iraq all ‘humiliated’ while the latter’s team photographer was sent back home.
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is also facing visa issues and could miss the tournament.
On top of that, several fans across the world especially from Africa are facing rejections as reported by BBC Sport with some giving up on the biggest global soccer showpiece.
