Entry ban for “very good reason”
©IMAGO
Security concerns due to alleged links to a terrorist organization are said to have been the reason why Somali referee Omar Artan, who was scheduled to take part in the World Cup, was refused entry. The check at the airport in Miami revealed that Artan had “connections to suspected members of terrorist organizations,” an unnamed US government representative told CNN. He did not provide any further details. Meanwhile, the “FARE” (Football Against Racism in Europe) network appealed to the world association, and FIFA also took a stand.
Piara Power, executive director of the FARE organization, which campaigns against discrimination in football, said FIFA must do more to counter the US administration’s “instincts”. “It is quite clear that the fears of an ideological and discriminatory visa policy by the US government are coming true. Never have we seen such a farce of an official FIFA referee being refused entry upon his arrival for final preparations. Never have we seen a player taken aside and questioned for so long at the airport. And never have we seen so many coaches, team managers, fans and even high-ranking officials within FIFA member associations at a World Cup like this “We were subjected to many interrogations and exclusions,” Power is quoted as saying in the New York Times.
“The disruption is so severe that one has to ask who is actually running the World Cup. FIFA or the US government with its racist immigration policies? Even before the ball rolls, the impression is spreading that this World Cup is anything but the celebration of global humanity that it should be. As fans, journalists and others arrive in the United States this week, FIFA must do significantly more to counter the US government’s efforts. It is a global football festival that requires people from all over the world to travel to the host countries. “It is not an instrument of power from a government that is out to ruin the festival for a few,” Power continued.
A spokesman for the world governing body had previously stated: “FIFA is not involved in the host country’s immigration processes, including visa decisions. (…) As with previous FIFA events, the host country’s government ultimately decides who receives a visa and who is allowed to enter their country.” Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force, also said in a press conference that Artan was denied entry for “very good reason.” Regardless of this case, they want to ensure “that people with malicious intentions […] “Those trying to get into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not be allowed access to the United States.”
Artan case: Questions about the terrorist militia Al-Shabaab
Somalia is one of the 39 countries whose nationals are affected by the stricter entry regulations of the US government of President Donald Trump. Citizens of these countries are subject to additional checks upon entry. In the Artan case, the border protection agency “CBP” cited “concerns in the context of the security clearance” without providing any further information. Artan was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025. The African Football Confederation had selected him as one of seven African referees for the World Cup. He would have been the first Somali to referee a World Cup.
After being refused entry into the USA, Artan was “very, very disappointed”. He told the New York Times that he was “just a referee” who was trying to fulfill the biggest dream of his life by taking part in the World Cup. He didn’t make any formal mistakes: “I had the right papers and everything else. I had the right visa.”
According to the information, Artan wanted to enter the USA in Miami on Saturday. His journey began in Nairobi, where he waited for the necessary travel documents. He then flew to Miami via Istanbul to take part in a preparatory meeting of FIFA referees. US border officials questioned him about his trip and the political situation in Somalia, especially the Islamist terrorist militia Al-Shabaab, which is active in parts of the country and has been fighting against the Somali government for years.
Artan rejected in USA: criticism from Somalia
The Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports criticized the US authorities’ decision. Artan was denied entry into the US “without a valid reason,” it said in a statement. The Somali government immediately contacted the US authorities and FIFA, but has not yet found a solution. Meanwhile, according to reports from the AP news agency, the referee received an enthusiastic welcome when he returned to his home country. “I promise you, God willing, that I will be there at the next (World Cup),” Artan said on his arrival.
The World Cup referees train together in Miami and are prepared for the games there. The use of Artan in the other host countries Mexico and Canada is currently ruled out.