The United States has said Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the country because of alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations, ending his hopes of becoming the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup.
Artan, 34, arrived in the United States on Monday but was turned away at Miami International Airport despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa.
The decision prevented him from joining other match officials selected for the World Cup, where all referees are required to be based in Florida for training, preparation and security operations.
In a statement, a source within the Trump administration said Customs and Border Protection officials discovered derogatory information during a secondary inspection.
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” the source said.
The official added that Artan was refused entry under provisions of US immigration law and subjected to an expedited removal process.
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop,” the source said.
Artan has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, he previously told The New York Times that US immigration officials questioned him extensively about alleged links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab. He said he informed investigators that he knew nothing about the organisation.
The Confederation of African Football’s men’s Referee of the Year for 2025 was among 52 match officials selected for the World Cup and had been expected to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.
Instead, his World Cup dream came to an abrupt halt after what he described as an 11-hour immigration interview. He was reportedly detained for several hours before being placed on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, and later returned to Somalia.
Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, backed the decision by border authorities.
“While I can’t go into the derog on that, I can tell you it was the right decision by Customs and Border Patrol and I support that decision,” Giuliani said.
Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday, where he received a hero’s welcome from government officials, members of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees and supporters.
He later met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace and was scheduled to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium.
Addressing journalists at the airport, Artan vowed not to allow the setback to end his ambitions.
“Everything is pre-destined,” he said.
“FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu. I promise you that I’ll be officiating in the next World Cup.”
He also encouraged Somali youth not to lose faith in their country despite the incident.
“Let’s all defend Somalia’s honour. We all belong to Somalia whether it’s bad or good. That flag is ours and so is the passport – let’s defend it,” Artan said.
The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of Somali nationals under immigration policies introduced by President Donald Trump. Somalia is among 12 countries currently subject to a US travel ban introduced in June 2025.
The Phala Phala-like dispute has also reignited debate over immigration restrictions and security vetting ahead of major international sporting events hosted by the United States.
For Somalia, the decision has been particularly painful, as Artan’s selection had been widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for the country’s football community and a symbol of progress on the international stage.
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