Somali referee Omar Artan excluded from 2026 World Cup after US entry denial
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA stated that Artan will be unable to train or officiate at the tournament following the decision by US authorities. The organization clarified that it is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and was informed by authorities that Artan's status would not change. FIFA noted that host governments ultimately determine who receives a visa and is admitted into their country. Artan, who had been set to be the first Somali referee at a World Cup, was reportedly denied entry despite holding a valid visa. He has been on FIFA's refereeing list since 2018, officiating at major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations, and has received CAF award recognition as a top referee. His exclusion means he will not be part of the refereeing team for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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