Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was recently named the best African referee for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, has been denied entry to the United States just three days before the World Cup is set to begin. Artan, 34, was poised to become the first referee from his country to officiate a match at a FIFA World Cup.
Visa Issues and Travel
Artan reportedly faced difficulties securing a visa initially but received support from the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which helped him obtain a diplomatic passport. He traveled from Kenya through Turkey to Miami after FIFA confirmed last week that his visa situation had been "fully resolved" and that he would be available to officiate at the tournament. However, upon arrival in the US, he was denied entry and has since returned to Istanbul.
World Cup Officiating Team
Artan is one of eight referees from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup. The full list of referees includes eight from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), nine from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), one from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), 12 from the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), and 15 from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Among the UEFA referees are Poland's Szymon Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final, as well as England's Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver. In total, 170 referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees will officiate the record 104 matches across the three host nations.
Uncertainty Over Artan's Participation
It remains unclear what will happen if Artan is not permitted entry in time for the tournament. The Somali Football Association and FIFA have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded.
US Travel Ban Impact
The US travel ban has already caused issues for some players expected to participate in the World Cup. Although Somalia did not qualify for the tournament, it is on the travel ban list. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was initially barred from flying to the US due to travel issues related to a 2018 court ruling; he was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine. Those issues have since been resolved, and he has arrived in San Diego. Iran has been forced to change its plans for the tournament and will now be based in Mexico. The Iranian squad will only be allowed into the US on matchdays and must leave on the same day.
