Somali referee denied US entry over alleged terror links, sparking diplomatic row
Somali referee Omar Artan, Africa’s 2025 Referee of the Year, was denied entry to the US at Miami airport despite a valid diplomatic passport and visa, due to alleged ties to Al Shabab. He returned to Somalia to a hero’s welcome and met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Somali government expressed regret, and FIFA confirmed the denial. The incident highlights US travel restrictions affecting sports participation, with a similar case involving Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub.
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2026 World Cup: Senegalese Fans Banned from Traveling to US
The 2026 World Cup has been marred by off-field visa issues. After the United States refused visas to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan and 500 Ivorian fans, the Trump administration has now rejected all visa applications from Senegalese fans. Senegalese authorities confirmed to AFP that no official fan delegation will travel to the US to support Senegal, as no fan obtained a visa. This marks another major organizational blunder for the tournament, highlighting ongoing diplomatic and logistical tensions surrounding the event.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertPalestinian Football Federation President Denied US Visa for World Cup
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation, was denied a US visa to attend World Cup matches in the United States, despite being accredited. After attending the opening match in Mexico City, he remains stranded there. Rajoub criticized the decision as unfair, contradicting FIFA President Gianni Infantino's earlier assurance that all footballers would be welcome. The incident follows a similar case involving Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was turned away at the US border. Infantino later acknowledged that FIFA cannot override government visa policies. The denial also echoes Washington's refusal of a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in September 2023.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFIFA Backing Down? Dugarry Outraged by US Entry Measures After Somali Referee Denied Entry
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, despite holding a valid US entry visa, was denied entry upon arrival in the United States on Saturday. Following this incident, FIFA announced that Artan would not officiate during the ongoing competition. The situation has sparked outrage from French football figure Dugarry, who accused FIFA of backing down. Additionally, several journalists were also reportedly denied entry to US soil. The incident has drawn attention to US entry policies during the World Cup period, with Artan later being welcomed as a hero in Mogadishu upon his return.
Home Football - actualitésSomali Ministry of Foreign Affairs Expresses Regret Over US Visa Denial to Top Referee
On June 10, 2026, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press release expressing deep regret over the United States' decision to deny entry to Somali international referee Omar Abdulqadir Altan, the 2025 CAF Best Referee. The denial prevented Altan from participating in the World Cup. The Somali government stated it had engaged in diplomatic mediation with US authorities to support Altan's travel, but these efforts failed. Altan has since returned home to a hero's welcome and urged compatriots to be proud of their nationality. The Ministry thanked countries and organizations that showed solidarity and vowed to continue seeking explanations from relevant partners to safeguard the dignity and rights of Somali citizens. FIFA confirmed the visa denial but refused to take responsibility.
虎扑 - 足球Best African Referee Denied US Visa Returns to Somalia to Warm Welcome
On June 11, 2024, Omar Abdulqadir Al-Tin, recognized as Africa's top male referee, returned to Somalia and visited Mogadishu Stadium, where he received a warm welcome from Somali fans. He had previously been denied a visa by the United States, which prevented him from officiating at the World Cup. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing a source on X (formerly Twitter). The event highlights the impact of visa restrictions on international sports participation.
虎扑 - 足球Trump Administration Says Somali World Cup Referee Denied Entry Over Suspected Terror Ties
The Trump administration stated that Somali FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States due to 'association with suspected members of terror organizations.' Artan, one of 52 match officials selected for the 2026 World Cup, was detained at Miami International Airport for over 11 hours before being sent back to Istanbul. The White House cited derogatory information discovered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Immigration and Nationality Act, but declined to specify the alleged ties or terror group. Artan maintained he had proper visa and FIFA accreditation. Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen indicated the CBP decision appeared legitimate based on communications found on Artan's devices. Somalia's Foreign Ministry expressed regret and pledged to seek clarification. FIFA has been approached for comment.
Soccer - The AthleticUS bars Somali referee Omar Artan over alleged terror links
Somali referee Omar Artan, Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid US visa. A US administration official stated that Customs and Border Protection discovered derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, making him ineligible for admission under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup, was questioned about links to the militant group Al Shabab, which he denied. He returned to Somalia on Wednesday, where he was greeted by government officials and met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Artan expressed gratitude for support and vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup. Somalia is among countries on President Trump's travel ban list.
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