Somali referee Omar Artan has pledged to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States ahead of this year’s tournament.
Artan received a hero’s welcome on his return to Mogadishu, where more than 100 supporters gathered at the city’s main airport to celebrate his arrival.
Waving Somali flags and chanting in support, the crowd welcomed the referee as he emerged from a Turkish Airlines flight.
“I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud,” Artan told journalists.
“Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged.”
Warm Reception in Mogadishu
The referee’s return sparked an outpouring of support from fellow Somalis, many of whom viewed his selection for the World Cup as a major national achievement.
Mohamed Said, a government official in Mogadishu, condemned the decision to deny Artan entry into the United States.
“They wronged him in a way that hurts everybody that is concerned about humanity,” he said.
The reception highlighted the pride many Somalis feel in Artan’s accomplishments on the international stage.
US Cites Security Concerns
Artan was denied entry on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.
A US State Department official told AFP that the referee was deemed ineligible for admission because he was allegedly associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations.
US authorities did not provide further public details regarding the claim.
The decision prevented Artan from taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA Confirms Referee’s Removal
FIFA has confirmed that Artan will no longer be part of the officiating team for the tournament.
His appointment to the World Cup referee roster had been a significant milestone for Somalia and African football.
In 2025, Artan was named Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top match officials.
Symbol of Hope for Somalia
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously praised Artan’s achievements, describing him as an inspiration for young Somalis.
Speaking in April, the president said the referee represented a new generation of Somalis achieving success on the global stage.
Despite missing the 2026 tournament, Artan remains optimistic about the future and has set his sights on earning a place at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
