OA
Omar Abdulkadir Artan
Athlete
Omar Artan is a Somali Fifa referee who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Notable Quotes
"I would like to thank Fifa and Caf for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."View Story →
"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 changed at present."View Story →
"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications."View Story →
"I thank FIFA and CAF for their support and will maintain my refereeing standards as I look ahead."View Story →
"I'm just a referee trying to live my biggest dream, to go to the World Cup."View Story →
"Despite the circumstances I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career."View Story →
"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."View Story →
"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility."View Story →
Related Stories
Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup?
With referee Omar Artan denied entry to the United States and worries over staff and supporters being turned back, what does this tell us about the World Cup?
June 9, 2026Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament - Reuters
Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament Reuters
June 9, 2026Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut - Reuters
Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut Reuters
June 9, 2026Somali referee Artan barred from entering USA
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, is denied entry to the United States.
June 8, 2026