Somali referee reacts after US visa denial ends World Cup dream

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has reacted to the denial of his entry into the United States, describing the development as “fate” after it ended his hopes of officiating at the FIFA World Cup.

Artan spoke on Wednesday after returning to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, days after US authorities turned him back at the border.

The referee, who was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, had been set to become the first Somali to officiate at the global football showpiece before the decision halted his participation.

The Trump administration said on Tuesday that Artan was denied entry because of his links to “suspected members of terror organisations”.

Reacting to the setback, Artan said: “What happened has happened and it was fate.

“I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me.”

Despite the disappointment, he urged Somalis to remain hopeful and continue believing in their country.

Artan said: “Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad.

“I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country.

“I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.”

A FIFA spokesperson said the decision means Artan will no longer be able to train or officiate at the World Cup, which begins on Thursday and is being staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The case has renewed attention on the Trump administration’s immigration policies ahead of the tournament.

Last year, Washington imposed a travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia.

Somalia’s government said it had unsuccessfully engaged with both the United States and FIFA in an effort to secure Artan’s entry and expressed sadness over the outcome.

Without identifying Artan by name, US Customs and Border Protection said a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was deemed inadmissible because of vetting concerns.

An administration official later said border authorities determined that Artan posed a threat to national security.

Artan’s exclusion ends what would have been a historic moment for Somali football, with the referee poised to become the first official from the country to work at a FIFA World Cup.