The Latest Breaking News from Omar Artan

Somali football referee denied US entry will miss World Cup debut

The United States has denied entry to football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to be the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 9

‘World Cup of Chaos’—Referee Expecting to Make History Denied Entry to U.S.

The official from Somalia flew from Istanbul to Miami with a diplomatic passport.

Sports Illustrated · Jun 9

World Cup 2026: Referee from Somalia denied entry to the US was about to make history

He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to "vetting concerns"

The Independent UK · Jun 9

World Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulence

MEXICO CITY - The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump's America and the shadow of conflict in the Middle East.

Bangkok Post · Jun 9

SOC:Somali World Cup referee refused entry to USA

Omar Artan will no longer be able to officiate at the World Cup after the Somali referee was denied entry to the United States.

AAP · Jun 9

Somali World Cup referee refused entry to USA

Omar Artan will no longer be able to officiate at the World Cup after the Somali referee was denied entry to the United States.

AAP · Jun 9

Somali referee axed from World Cup after being denied entry to US: FIFA

LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football's governing body FIFA said on Monday.

Bangkok Post · Jun 8

Somali referee dropped from World Cup after being refused entry to US

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been ruled out of officiating at the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, FIFA said Monday, in a decision that prevents him from becoming the first Somali official to referee at the tournament.

France 24 · Jun 8

World Cup 2026: African referee denied entry into the United States by border control

US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry

The Independent UK · Jun 8

Top African referee Omar Artan refused access to US and will miss World Cup

Omar Artan was going to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup but was refused entry at Miami airport despite a valid travel visa

The Guardian - UK · Jun 8