Referee Omar Artan returns to Somalia

Referee Omar Artan returned to Somalia on November 15, 2023, after being denied entry to the United States for the FIFA World Cup. The U.S. government cited his alleged association with suspected members of terror organizations as the reason for the denial. Artan, who was scheduled to officiate matches in the tournament, stated that he was informed of the decision upon arrival at the airport. He has denied any involvement with terrorist groups. The World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began on June 11, 2026. Artan's exclusion has raised questions about the vetting process for international officials participating in major sporting events.