Africa’s top referee has been refused entry to the United States after he arrived to work at the World Cup.
Omar Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup but he was forced to fly back to Istanbul after he was turned back at Miami International Airport.
Artan believed he had valid visa to work in the US even though Somalia are one of the countries on the US travel ban list.
Artan was voted the Confederation of African Football’s 2025 referee of the year and he has been a referee since 2018. He was due to be one of the 170 officials in working at the World Cup.
Somalia government response from Sports Ministry adviser Ciise Aden Abshir to AFP: “Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.
“Denying him entry and preventing him officiating harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.”
FIFA have been contacted for comment.
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