Somali Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan Banned in the U.S.: International Outrage

The Government of Somalia has expressed its discontent over the refusal of the U.S. immigration authorities to allow the entry of Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 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 for this incident that has sparked international outrage.

Outrage over the decision

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has described the situation as regrettable and 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 level of refereeing in the future, despite this adversity.

Issues in the verification process

According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service, Artan was deemed inadmissible due to issues in the background check process, which prevented him from entering the country. This decision has sparked controversy, especially considering that Artan had been named the male referee of the year 2025 by the 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 the other hand, has clarified that it does not interfere in the immigration processes of host countries, including visa issuance. This incident has highlighted the challenges faced by citizens of countries subject to travel bans to the U.S., such as Somalia, generating 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