Somali referee for World Cup denied entry into United States - ESPN

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States after getting selected to officiate at the World Cup.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving to Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. While the CBP statement didn't mention the person by name, Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia.

«During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,» CBP said in its statement. «Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.»

CBP noted that all travelers seeking entry into the U.S. — including athletes, coaches and staff — are subject to CBP inspection and vetting.

«Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,» the CBP statement said. «CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.»

Somalia is on the U.S. list of banned countries for immigration, although exceptions can be made.

On Monday, FIFA said in a statement: «FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.

»FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be