Somalia’s FIFA referee, Omar Artan, has returned home to a hero’s welcome at Mogadishu Airport on Wednesday after being denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to kick off in Mexico City on Thursday.

The Peoples Gazette on Monday reported that Mr Artan, one of 52 centre referees handpicked by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was grilled for several hours upon his arrival at the Miami International Airport on Saturday before he was eventually turned back. 

In an effort to avoid the scenario, Mr Artan, who was said to have necessary documentation, travelled on a diplomatic passport from Istanbul to Miami but was still prevented from entering the United States of America by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following routine checks. 

Mr Artan eventually returned to Istanbul. A spokesperson for the CBP later confirmed the incident, without directly naming the individual. The agency also did not specify the reason behind the decision to deny entry for the 2025 Confederation of Africa Football’s Referee of the Year. 

Subsequently, FIFA released a statement that it was aware of the situation, stressing that only host countries hold the discretion to determine immigration admissibility, noting that the 34-year-old would no longer be able to officiate in the tournament. 

“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. 

“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,” the football world’s governing body said. 

A video circulating on social media showed dozens of jubilant supporters surrounding Mr Artan, while security agents formed a barrier as he landed at an airport in Somalia on Wednesday.

Mr Artan’s case sparked condemnation from individuals within and outside the football community, including Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who tagged the upcoming tournament a “World Cup of chaos”. 

Meanwhile, Olivia Chow, the mayor of Toronto, one of World Cup host cities in Canada, said in a statement on Tuesday that Mr Artan would be welcomed in the city. 

“Denying entry to Omar Artan, who has earned his place on the world stage through hard work and perseverance, is not right. Toronto believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine. He would be welcome to referee here in our city,” Ms Chow stated. 

She added, “I will be writing to FIFA to let them know he is welcome to referee here.”