SOMALI REFEREE ARTAN DENIED US ENTRY OVER “TERROR LINKS”, SAY SOFFICIAL.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States due
to alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations”, a US
administration official has said.

Artan, who was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, had been expected to
officiate at the World Cup finals, but was stopped at Miami International Airport
despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa.

A Trump administration source said border officials flagged “derogatory information”
during inspection, adding: “This individual was seeking admission… association with
suspected members of terror organisations were discovered.”

He was subsequently removed from the country and returned to Somalia, where he
received a hero’s welcome from officials, football authorities, and supporters.

Upon arrival in Mogadishu, Artan met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
and reiterated his ambition to referee at the 2030 World Cup, while thanking
supporters for their backing.

“Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well,” Artan said. “I promise you I’ll
be officiating in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”

The referee, one of 52 selected for the tournament, had reportedly faced an 11-hour
immigration interview before being detained and deported.