Story perspectives

US Bars Somali Referee; FIFA Pays, UEFA Keeps Appointment

6/15/2026

Summary

Artan Denied Entry

U.S. Customs denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry on June 6 because officials deemed him inadmissible for vetting concerns and alleged terror links.
FIFA will pay Artan his World Cup salary for the six-week tournament, with the final amount set after the competition ends on July 19.
UEFA appointed Artan to referee the August 12 Super Cup in Salzburg, with FIFA and UEFA presidents saying assignment shows respect despite the U.S. denial.

Summary

Artan Honored

On June 10, 2026, crowds draped Somali flag over Artan at Mogadishu airport as he thanked ministers, MPs and officials for their support.
The Somali Football Federation organized a solidarity match to honor Artan.
Artan was detained for over 11 hours in Miami before being sent to Istanbul and back to Somalia.
Although Somalia is on U.S. President Donald Trump’s travel-ban list, Artan did not receive a World Cup exemption.

Summary

Artan Visa Approved

Somalia Embassy in Kenya processed Artan’s visa for travel to United States.
FIFA said it was not involved in immigration, leaving entry to host government.
Artan was to meet World Cup referees at Miami’s training base before the tournament.
A source said his World Cup fee will be calculated after the competition ends.
Somali football authorities held a formal welcome ceremony for Artan in Mogadishu.

History

Historical Context

In January 2017 President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13769, a 90-day travel ban that barred citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia, and caused CBP to detain 721 travelers. The 2026 denial of a U.S. visa to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, despite FIFA and UEFA support, echoes that ban and has led the Somali Football Federation to seek diplomatic exemptions.

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Artan Denied Entry

U.S. Customs denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry on June 6 because officials deemed him inadmissible for vetting concerns and alleged terror links.
FIFA will pay Artan his World Cup salary for the six-week tournament, with the final amount set after the competition ends on July 19.
UEFA appointed Artan to referee the August 12 Super Cup in Salzburg, with FIFA and UEFA presidents saying assignment shows respect despite the U.S. denial.

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