Somali Referee Omar Artan Pulled From World Cup 2026 After US Entry Denial

Sky Sports · 18h ago

FIFA confirmed that Omar Abdulkadir Artan, named CAF's Referee of the Year in 2025, has been removed from its World Cup 2026 officiating roster after US border agents refused him entry at Miami International Airport over unspecified vetting concerns. FIFA said it has no power over a host country's immigration decisions and has been told the ruling will not be reversed before the tournament. Somali officials criticized the decision, arguing it sidelines one of Africa's most accomplished referees, the first official from Somalia to take charge of a CAF Champions League final, over issues unrelated to his record on the pitch.