Somalia defended referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali referee to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The Somali Ministry of Sports expressed its deep regret over the decision to refuse Artan entry, stating that despite diplomatic efforts with US authorities and FIFA, it had not been possible to achieve a positive outcome.

A US State Department official told AFP that the referee had been associated with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations, rendering him ineligible to enter the United States.

Artan, who was named Men's Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2025, was denied entry to the United States on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.

FIFA later confirmed that he would no longer be included in the list of referees selected to participate in the football tournament, which is held every four years and is scheduled to begin on Thursday.

No one can intervene in the decision made by the United States

Artan's selection as one of the 52 referees appointed to officiate matches at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States had been a great source of pride for his fellow Somalis.

In April, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described him as "a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis."

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection explained that Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.

Somalia is one of several countries included in the travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a broader crackdown on immigration.

A source within the Confederation of African Football told AFP that the continental governing body could not intervene in the decision taken by the United States, adding, "We certainly feel sorry for Artan."

Somalia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the referee, stating that it has complete confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and his continued contribution to the development of football in Somalia and internationally.

In a statement, the Ministry of Sports said that "Artan represents the very best of Somali talent."

Somali referee Abdulkadir Artan. (AFP)

A shattered dream for Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan

Artan told The New York Times that "the biggest dream of my life" had been destroyed.

Speaking from Istanbul, where he returned after being sent back from Miami, he said, "I am very, very disappointed."

He added, "I am just a referee trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, which is to take part in the World Cup."

Artan said he was questioned by border officials for 11 hours before being transferred to a separate detention cell, where he remained for several more hours before being placed on a flight back to Turkey.

"I had the proper documents and everything. I had the correct visa," he said, a claim that was also confirmed by an adviser to the Somali government in comments to AFP.

The decision to deny him entry sparked a wave of anger in Somalia.

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Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he was "deeply disappointed," assuring Artan that "Africa and the world stand with you."

In a post on X, Khaire wrote, "He represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe that excellence should be recognized on the global stage."

Former Somali minister Abdirashid Hashi called on FIFA to stand by Artan, saying, "Football is supposed to unite people, not exclude them."

He added that the referee "should be judged on the basis of his competence and professionalism, not the passport he carries," describing the move as "a political decision" by the United States.

Hashi suggested that FIFA should allow Artan to officiate World Cup matches in the other two host countries.

He said, "I hope Canada and Mexico grant visas to Artan. There is no reason why a referee who has been denied entry to one of the host countries should be prevented from contributing to a World Cup being held across three nations."