U.S. blocks Somali referee Omar Artan from entering country for 2026 World Cup
Somalia’s Omar Artan, one of 52 referees selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup in North America, has been denied entry into the United States ahead of the June 11 kick off.
According to The Athletic, the incident occurred on Saturday when Mr Artan landed at the Miami International Airport from Istanbul but was prevented from entering the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following routine checks.
Reports noted that the 34-year-old, who is highly rated as one of the best referees in Africa, had travelled on a diplomatic passport issued by Somalia Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya to resolve potential travel related issues but it did not help his situation.
A spokesperson for CBP later confirmed the incident to The Athletic, noting that the traveler, who was not specifically named, underwent additional screening upon his arrival. He was still deemed inadmissible despite formal invitation by FIFA.
He said: “On June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport. During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility.
“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry. All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
“CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.”
The CBP did not mention any specific reason why Mr Artan was denied entry but it might be connected to President Donald Trump’s travel ban imposed on 39 countries, including Somalia.
Under the policy, Somali passport holders are permanently banned from entering into the United States.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Opinion
Abdul Mahmud: Three years of reform, three years of hardship
When Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, he embraced a neoliberal economic agenda built around market liberalisation, subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and fiscal austerity.
States
Three passengers killed in Warri-Itakpe train accident
Three passengers were confirmed dead following the derailment of a train in Warri–Itakpe on Monday.
Diaspora
Jury convicts Festus Anyiam of money laundering, identity theft; faces decades in U.S. prison
Mr Anyiam is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2026.
Economy
Heirs Insurance hits three million policyholders milestone
Heirs Insurance Group says it has impacted and protected more than three million customers in its first five years of operation.
Health
Kwara: NAFDAC begins pharmacovigilance assessment of health facilities
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it is commencing pharmacovigilance assessment of health facilities in Kwara.
Abuja
N4 Trillion Debts: Tinubu approves payment to 1,240 local contractors
The ministry said contractors prioritised for payment in the most recent batch were those with verified claims of N100 million or less.
