Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss this year’s FIFA Club World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, a development that has temporarily halted his quest to become the first Somali official to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
Artan had been selected among the match officials for the tournament and was expected to participate in pre-competition preparations before the event kicks off on Thursday. However, FIFA confirmed that he will no longer be part of the tournament following a decision by U.S. immigration authorities.
FIFA said the world football governing body had no role in the visa or immigration process and had been informed that Artan’s status would not be altered in time for the competition.
The decision means one of Africa’s most highly regarded referees will miss a major opportunity on the global stage. Artan was recognised as CAF’s Best Male Referee in 2025 and has steadily built a reputation as one of the continent’s leading match officials.
Despite the disappointment, Artan struck a positive tone, thanking FIFA and CAF for their support and expressing confidence in his future.
“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” Artan said.
He also sent his best wishes to fellow referees taking part in the tournament and thanked members of the football community for their encouragement.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a Somali national arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul underwent additional screening and was subsequently deemed inadmissible. The agency said entry decisions are made individually using available immigration, law enforcement and national security information but did not disclose specific reasons for the ruling.
The incident has reignited discussion around U.S. immigration policies ahead of several major international sporting events. Reports indicate that Artan possessed a valid U.S. visa when he travelled, although authorities ultimately declined his admission into the country.
For now, one of African football’s top referees will watch from afar as the Club World Cup begins without him, while keeping his sights firmly set on future international assignments.
