Who Is Omar Abdulkadir Artan? Somali Referee Denied Entry To US
Summary
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a top Somali soccer referee, was denied entry to the U.S. while traveling to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The U.S. government cited vetting concerns, and it is unclear why he was refused despite having a valid work visa.Key Facts
- Omar Abdulkadir Artan is a leading soccer referee from Somalia.
- He was going to be the first Somali to referee at a FIFA World Cup.
- Artan made history as the first Somali referee at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
- He was named the Confederation of African Football's men's referee of the year in 2025.
- He was refused entry at Miami International Airport in the U.S. on Saturday.
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said he was denied entry after extra checks found vetting concerns.
- Somalia is among countries restricted under President Donald Trump’s travel ban list.
- FIFA stated it does not control visa decisions; the host country decides who can enter.
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