Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the United States to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, received a hero's welcome upon his arrival in Mogadishu on Wednesday. Hundreds of people gathered at Aden Adde International Airport to greet him, including government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and local residents.
Hero's Welcome at Mogadishu Airport
The 34-year-old Artan, named Africa's Referee of the Year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. However, he was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa. US immigration authorities did not provide a reason for his repatriation, though Somalia is among countries on a travel ban list implemented by President Donald Trump.
At the airport, supporters carried banners with encouraging slogans, while others wore specially designed hats featuring the referee's image. Social media celebrities were also present, taking photos with Artan and live-streaming the event on their platforms. The celebratory atmosphere was tinged with visible anger that the first Somali appointed as a World Cup referee had been denied entry to the United States.
Artan Vows to Continue Career
Despite the setback, Artan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his determination to continue his refereeing career. He vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup and announced plans to begin training immediately. "I would like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs, and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I'll get more support outside (the airport)," Artan said, as translated by the BBC.
Artan was expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium later that day and watch a match between Heegan and Dekadaha. His homecoming has turned him into a national icon, with many Somalis rallying behind him in the face of what they perceive as an unjust ban.
