Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry despite World Cup duty

Somali referee Omar Artan denied US entry despite World Cup duty

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite being assigned to officiate matches in the World Cup. US Customs and Border Protection and FIFA confirmed the matter.

According to CBP, Artan was separated for additional screening after arriving in Miami from Istanbul on Saturday. Although the agency's statement did not name him, FIFA later confirmed that the individual denied entry was Artan, the only referee from Somalia assigned to the World Cup.

CBP said in a statement that the traveller underwent additional inspection as part of routine procedures. After the inspection, the referee was deemed inadmissible due to screening-related concerns and was not permitted entry.

The agency said similar inspection and screening procedures are followed for all travellers seeking entry into the United States, regardless of their status as athletes, coaches or officials. Admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis based on information obtained during inspection regarding law enforcement, national security or immigration violations.

Somalia is currently on the US immigration ban list. Despite being denied entry, Artan said in a statement that he remains positive and is focusing on the next challenges in his refereeing career.

FIFA has stated that it has no role in the host country's visa and immigration decisions.