A Somali official named Omar Artan was celebrated as a hero in Mogadishu on Wednesday following his exclusion from the U.S. and subsequent removal from FIFA's refereeing roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan, poised to be the first Somalian official to referee at a World Cup, came back to a welcoming crowd including numerous fans, government representatives, and individuals from Somalia's soccer scene at Aden Adde International Airport.
A respected official, who was recognized as Africa's Top Male Referee in 2025, has secured a position on FIFA's ultimate list of referees for the competition.
Nevertheless, he was not allowed to enter when he arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday because of "vetting issues" according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additional information was not shared.
FIFA later took Artan off its list of referees for the World Cup. The Somali Embassy in Kenya stated that he received a legitimate U.S. visa prior to his travel to meet other officials at their World Cup preparation site in Miami.
After coming back, Artan appreciated the Somali population, authorities, and FIFA for their assistance, and stated he believes his World Cup aspiration continues to be possible.
I pledge to you, with Allah's permission, that I will be present at the next event," said Artan to supporters who were holding Somali flags at the airport. "I hope the Somalian people find reassurance in this and continue to have faith.
Artan was accompanied by law enforcement officials to the airport's executive lounge, where he was received by Somalia's sport minister and various high-ranking guests prior to speaking with regional journalists.
It is our responsibility to protect the Somali identity," he stated. "Somalia is ours, regardless of whether it is in a difficult situation or a favorable one. That flag is ours, and that passport is also ours.
The choice of refusing access to a World Cup representative selected by FIFA drew global backlash and prompted certain analysts to question the U.S.'s position as co-host along with Canada and Mexico.
Several nations, including Somalia, have been impacted by the broader U.S. travel bans implemented during the tenure of former President Donald Trump.
Although he was unable to participate in the tournament, Artan's success has received significant recognition throughout Africa and further afield. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, commended the Somalian official recently, stating that his groundbreaking achievement remains valid despite the situation.
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