Somali Referee Denied Entry to World Cup Amid Security Concerns, Says U.S. Customs

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States for the FIFA World Cup after an 11-hour interrogation at Miami International Airport, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and media reports. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, stated Artan was suspected of having ties to a Somali militant group, citing national security concerns.

What led to the denial of entry?

Artan, a renowned referee in African football, was intercepted by U.S. authorities during processing at Miami International Airport. CBP confirmed he underwent “additional inspection” as part of its routine vetting process. The agency stated he was deemed “inadmissible due to vetting concerns,” though it did not specify the exact basis for the decision. Giuliani, speaking to the BBC, emphasized the need to prevent “terrorists or individuals associated with them” from exploiting the tournament to enter the country.

How does Artan’s case connect to militant groups?

The New York Times reported that Artan’s name resembles that of a man linked to Al Shabab, a Somali militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. However, no direct evidence of Artan’s involvement has been publicly disclosed. Artan, who was scheduled to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, expressed confusion over the decision, telling the Times, “I’m just a referee who’s trying to live his dream.”

What has the U.S. government said about the case?

CBP stated that the interrogation was part of its standard procedure to verify a traveler’s admissibility. “During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the agency said in a statement. Somali officials have not publicly commented on the case, though Artan was greeted by government representatives and supporters upon his return to Mogadishu.

What are the implications for Somali athletes?

Artan, awarded Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, has officiated in the African Cup of Nations and the Somali national football league. His exclusion has sparked debate about the impact of U.S. security protocols on international athletes. While the U.S. maintains a travel ban on Somalia, exceptions can be made for individuals with exceptional credentials. Artan, however, was not granted an exception, according to CBP.

How has Artan responded to the situation?

Artan, who was en route to the U.S. from Istanbul, called the decision “very, very disappointing” but expressed resolve to continue his career. “I am in a positive mood and focused on the next challenges,” he said in a statement. He thanked FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their support, adding, “I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.”