Unfair play – Somalian football in outrage after Africa’s top referee Omar Artan denied entry to US for World Cup

Outrage in Somalia Over Referee’s Exclusion

Football fans and players in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, expressed anger and disappointment after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry to the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Africa’s top official has since been excluded from the roster, after he was turned around on the border at Miami International Airport by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Footage shows supporters holding photographs of Artan during the game.

“We are very, very sorry about Omar Artan’s case,” said Gaadiidka Club footballer Asad Mohamed Abdi. “As Somalis, we all support you.”

Supporter Idman Aweys Ali, said the decision had caused widespread frustration among fans and the wider community.

“The Mogadishu community is very saddened by what happened,” she said. “All of Africa is not happy about it. We tell our boy that this is his country, and we love him.”

Artan’s Achievements and International Reaction

Artan has been recognised as Africa’s number one referee, having won the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award for his handling of CAF Champions League matches and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The barring has drawn widespread international condemnation. England football legend and respected sports pundit Ian Wright hit out over the news, which he said “tarnishes the World Cup’s spirit of global inclusion and reputation.”

On arrival back in Istanbul, Artan issued a statement declaring that: “Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and focused on the future. I wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, the US State Department responded that it had ‘vetting concerns’ in relation to the case, while President Donald Trump has repeatedly made incendiary remarks about Somalia, describing it as “filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime” and claiming that “the only thing they’re good at is going after ships,” in relation to the challenge of piracy off the coast of East Africa.

Visa Controversies Surround Tournament

The incident is the latest in a series of scandals around the event, with the Iranian national team arriving in the Mexican city of Tijuana on Sunday after being unable to stay in the United States due to visa restrictions.

While the 22-player squad and senior coaching staff were granted entry under special athletic exemptions, numerous members of the team’s support staff were denied visas. Among those completely barred from entering the United States is Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj.

The Iranian team will face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group F, with their opening match scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19. It will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico and is the first edition featuring 48 teams, with previous editions seeing 32 nations compete.