Arabic version: عمر أرتان مُنع من دخول الولايات المتحدة قبل مباريات كأس العالم

Omar Artan, a prominent Somali referee, has been denied access to the United States, where he was set to officiate at the upcoming World Cup. This incident occurred at Miami International Airport this past weekend, despite Artan holding a valid travel visa. According to The Guardian, the reasons behind the entry refusal remain unclear.

Artan was poised to make history as the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup, a milestone celebrated by supporters of football in Somalia. However, Somali officials have expressed their disappointment, stating that the decision undermines the sport’s commitment to fair play. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasized the need for the football community to rally behind Artan, calling him one of Africa’s most respected referees.

Currently based in Istanbul, Artan has gained recognition as Africa’s best referee and has officiated significant matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023. His exclusion from the World Cup roster not only affects him personally but also raises concerns about fairness and merit in the sport.

This situation reflects broader travel issues faced by international teams and officials, particularly under the travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Iranian players and officials have also encountered difficulties entering the US, with reports of visa denials and delays affecting their preparations for the tournament. The World Cup, set to feature a record 170 referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees, continues to face logistical challenges as the event approaches.