Nairobi (Kenya), 8 June 2026 – A major diplomatic and sporting incident has emerged on the sidelines of the football World Cup preparations. Somali international referee Omar Artan, officially appointed by Fifa to officiate during the tournament, was refused entry to the United States, one of the host countries of the event.
American customs authorities immediately rejected the official’s entry request despite his official accreditation issued by world football’s governing body.
Diplomatic passport not enough
This decision comes after a long and complex administrative process for the Somali refereeing body. Facing initial difficulties in obtaining a standard visa, the Somali embassy in Nairobi had supported his application by issuing him a diplomatic passport. This guarantee from the Somali state, however, did not sway the position of US immigration services, which maintain extremely strict admission criteria for nationals from the Horn of Africa.
For now, neither the Somali federation nor the American consular authorities have provided an official justification for this refusal.
A blow for 2025 best African referee
This administrative block hits one of the major figures of continental refereeing. Omar Artan is coming off an exceptional season, notably marked by officiating the second leg final of the CAF Champions League between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. His performances earned him the title of best African referee of the year 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This forced exclusion of a Fifa-accredited official reignites the debate on guarantees of free movement for athletes and officials during major sports events held on American soil, just as the World Cup is set to bring together nations from across the globe.
