Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan banned in the USA: international outrage

The Government of Somalia has expressed its discontent over the refusal of the U.S. immigration authorities to allow Omar Abdulkadir Artan to enter, who would have become the first Somali referee to participate in a World Cup. In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are conducting diplomatic efforts to obtain a clear explanation about this incident that has sparked international outrage.

Outrage over the Decision

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has described the situation as regrettable and has highlighted Artan's exemplary representation on the international stage, a source of pride for all Somalis. The referee himself has expressed gratitude to the football community for their support and has shown commitment to maintaining his refereeing level in the future, despite this adversity.

Issues in the Verification Process

According to a spokesperson from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service, Artan was deemed inadmissible due to issues in the background check process, which prevented his entry into the country. This decision has stirred controversy, especially considering that Artan had been named Male Referee of the Year 2025 by CAF and was ready to make history in the World Cup as the first Somali referee to participate in the tournament.

International Solidarity and Support

FIFA, on its part, has clarified that it does not intervene in the immigration processes of host countries, including visa issuance. This incident has highlighted the difficulties faced by citizens of countries subject to travel bans to the U.S., such as Somalia, sparking international solidarity and support towards Artan and the Somali people in general.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El árbitro somalí Omar Abdulkadir Artan vetado en EE.UU.: indignación internacional