FIFA to pay Somali referee after US entry bar disrupted World Cup role

Somali FIFA referee denied entry to US ahead of 2026 World Cup

• Artan was traveling from Istanbul to Miami for a FIFA seminar when he was refused entry.

Omar Artan was set to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Somali referee denied entry to US for World Cup: official

• Artan's entry was denied at Miami International Airport, potentially linked to a travel ban list.

U.S. Denies Entry to World Cup Referee From Somalia

• Omar Artan was one of 52 referees selected for the FIFA World Cup. But on Saturday he was denied entry because of “vetting concerns,” U.S. officials said.

Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut

• Omar Abdulkadir Artan was expected to be the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup match.

World Cup - First Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry Into U.S.

• Omar Artan was barred from entering the U.S. at Miami International Airport and returned to Turkey.

Omar Atan was among 52 referees chosen by FIFA for the World Cup.

Somali referee’s World Cup hopes hit after U.S. entry denial

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security found Atan inadmissible after additional screening despite him having a valid visa.