Banned World Cup ref Artan breaks silence on US entry ban as he returns home

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has vowed to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after arriving home in Somalia following his ban from entering the United States for the 2026 tournament.

Artan, 34, who was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals.

He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa. No official reason was given for his repatriation, though Somalia remains on a list of countries affected by travel bans introduced by US President Donald Trump in June 2025.

He arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday at Aden Adde International Airport, where he was greeted by government officials, Somali Football Federation representatives, fellow referees, and hundreds of local residents. Many carried banners and wore hats bearing Artan’s image, while social media personalities live-streamed the event.

“I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support,” Artan told the BBC.

“Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu. I promise you that I’ll be officiating in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”

Artan is scheduled to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium later on Wednesday and watch a league match between Heegan and Dekadaha. Thousands more are expected to join in what organizers are calling another “hero’s welcome.”

The referee recounted the ordeal he faced while trying to enter the US, including an 11-hour immigration interview and detention before being flown back to Istanbul, Turkey.

“I have the right papers and visa. Everything was in order, but I was denied entry. It was unfortunate,” Artan told reporters.
“Let’s all defend Somalia’s honour. We all belong to Somalia whether it’s bad or good. The youth shouldn’t be demoralized about their country. Despite this, I’ll continue my journey and urge them to do the same.”

US officials, including Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, defended the decision, citing undisclosed derogatory information flagged by Customs and Border Patrol. FIFA confirmed it has no authority over host-country immigration and stated that Artan would be unable to train or officiate at the 2026 tournament.

Artan, FIFA-accredited since 2018, has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and other major continental competitions. His exclusion has been widely condemned in Somalia and across Africa, as the country celebrated what would have been a historic milestone in football.

Despite the setback, Artan told PM News he is determined to continue his career and represent Somalia on the global stage.

“This is not the end. I’ll be back. My eyes are on 2030, and I will make my country proud,” he said.