A Somali referee selected for the upcoming World Cup who was denied entry into the United States has returned home to a warm reception, with crowds, officials and football supporters welcoming him at Mogadishu’s airport.
Omar Artan, who had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list, arrived in the capital on Wednesday and was greeted by hundreds of people waving Somali flags. He told supporters he still hopes to participate in the next tournament and urged young Somalis to remain proud of their country.
Artan is regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025.
He was stopped at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to what US Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” though no further details were provided. Following the incident, FIFA removed him from the tournament’s referee roster.
According to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, Artan had been issued a US visa last week to travel for World Cup preparations in Miami, where officials from the host nations were due to meet referees.
His arrival in Mogadishu turned into a public celebration. Supporters, government officials and members of the Somali football community gathered hours in advance at Aden Adde International Airport. On arrival, he was escorted by police to a VIP terminal where he met Somalia’s sports minister and football federation officials.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” Artan said, addressing supporters. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
The decision to deny entry to a FIFA-appointed official drew international attention and criticism, raising questions about US procedures ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Somalia is among several countries affected by new US travel restrictions introduced under the Trump administration’s immigration policy.
Artan also called on Somalis to stand by their national identity. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state,” he said. “That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
Despite Somalia’s long-running security challenges and the presence of the al-Shabab extremist group, Artan’s story has been seen by many as a symbol of national pride and possibility.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed support for Artan, saying on X that his achievement had already inspired a generation and that being excluded would not diminish what he had accomplished.