The controversy surrounding FIFA Licensed referee Omar Artan’s denial entry into the United States of America has taken a new twist as the accomplished game official has been linked to a terrorist group in his home nation of Somalia.
Artan was one of seven referees from Africa selected to officiate games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in recognition of his sharp rise in the officiating ranks.
However, Artan was denied entry into the United States and despite efforts via the Kenyan government to get the Somali referee back to the US, he was sent to Turkey and returned to a rousing welcome in Somalia. (Scroll down to watch video of Artan’s return to Somalia)
Addressing the controversial situation that FIFA has stated that only the host nation wield the power to deny or accept individuals into their country, executive director of the White House Task Force Andrew Giuliani said Artan was denied entry for “very good reason”.
The Donald Trump administration added that Artan was denied entry into the United States over his “association with suspected members of terror organizations”.
The 2026 World Cup commences on Thursday, June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening game.
🎥 This is the warm reception Somali fans gave referee Omar Artan upon his return home after missing out on the 2026 World Cup.#CitiSports (Video credit: @NasraBashiir) pic.twitter.com/6JsA9Nlxt6
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 10, 2026
