U.S. Bars Somali Referee From World Cup Over Security Concerns

MIAMI — U.S. Border and Customs Protection officials denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan at Miami International Airport on June 6, following what authorities described as routine additional security screening. The agency said all travelers, including athletes, referees and tournament delegation members, undergo the same security process. Entry decisions are made individually based on national security, immigration and law enforcement databases. FIFA confirmed Artan will be unable to officiate matches at the tournament. The governing body said visa decisions fall under the host country's authority and that FIFA has no jurisdiction over such matters. Artan, who received Africa's Best Referee award in 2025, was poised to become the first Somali official to serve at a World Cup. The ban came days before the tournament's scheduled start.