Football governing body Fifa has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster after American authorities denied him entry into the country, ending what would have been the first World Cup finals appearance by a Somali match official.
Artan, the Confederation of African Football’s men’s referee of the year in 2025, was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
US immigration authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision.
In a statement, Fifa said Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament after discussions with US authorities.
Immediately dissolve FIFA, and turn myself in to the proper authorities, and still probably face basically no consequences.
Would you? Like really? That may be a good thought but you work your entire life to gain this career, you build a family on these resources, you build a life on soccer… A guy is not allowed into the US, fuck it let’s abandon everything and decide to live in a jail. Still guy is not allowed in to the US, games still go on but I must easy toast everyday for the rest of my life… Would you do that?