FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will no longer officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.
The world football governing body disclosed this in a statement on Monday, explaining that Artan would be unable to participate in training activities or officiate matches following the decision of US immigration authorities.
“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,” the statement said in part.
FIFA further noted that decisions regarding visa issuance and admission into a country rest solely with the host government.
Artan, who has been on FIFA’s international refereeing list since 2018, was reportedly denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa.
The Somali official is regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees, having officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and earned recognition from the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for his performances in recent years.
His absence represents a setback for African representation among match officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
