Somali World Cup referee denied entry to US arrives home to hero’s welcome

A World Cup referee from Somalia , who was denied entry into the United States, received a hero's welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday, where he vowed to officiate at the next tournament and urged Somali youths to embrace national pride. Omar Artan was poised to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup, having been included on Fifa ’s final list for the competition. Recognised as one of Africa’s top referees, he was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. However, his journey was cut short at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to "vetting concerns," according to a statement from US Customs and Border Protection , which offered no further details. Fifa subsequently removed him from the referee list. Despite being issued a visa last week by the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, Artan, who was due to join other World Cup referees at their training base in Miami, was forced to return home. Upon his arrival in Mogadishu, he expressed gratitude to the Somali government, its people, and Fifa for their unwavering support. Omar Artan was due to referee at the World Cup in America but was denied entry into the country (AFP/Getty) "I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one," he declared, as hundreds of supporters waved the Somali flag. "I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident." The highly unusual decision by the US to bar a Fifa-appointed match official from entering a World Cup host nation sparked global outrage and prompted questions among some fans regarding America's capacity to host the prestigious event. Somalia is among nearly 40 countries subject to travel restrictions implemented under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Hundreds of supporters, government officials, and members of Somalia’s football community gathered hours before Artan’s arrival at Aden Adde International Airport. As he disembarked, flag-waving supporters crowded around him, draping him in the national flag. He was then escorted by police to the airport’s VIP terminal, where he was greeted by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somalia Football Federation, and other dignitaries, before addressing the press. The Somalian public condemned the US foe denying Artan the chance to officiate at the World Cup (Reuters) "It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name," Artan stated. "Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us." In a nation where decades of conflict and the rise of the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group have often limited opportunities, Artan's denial brought widespread disappointment. Yet, for many, it also served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when dreams are pursued. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed this sentiment on X, writing: "You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that."