FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan, one of the officials selected to work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be unable to officiate at the tournament after being denied entry to the US.
Although Artan had obtained a valid visa, US immigration authorities reportedly refused him entry upon arrival, citing what was described as a "screening issue." The 34-year-old referee, who was named Africa's best referee in 2025, is currently stranded in Istanbul.
The incident follows other reported entry difficulties involving World Cup participants.
On June 6, Aymen Hussein, a prominent striker for the Iraq national football team, was subjected to seven hours of questioning and inspection at a US airport before eventually being allowed to enter the country. A team photographer accompanying the squad was detained for more than 10 hours, and his mobile phone was also examined. He was ultimately denied entry to the US.
Earlier, on June 5, visas were approved for Iranian players and some team staff members. However, more than 10 Iranian government officials, including the president and vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, as well as a media director, were reportedly denied entry to the US.
Iranian players who have already received US visas were also informed that, under special visa arrangements, the team would only be permitted to enter and leave US territory on match days.
"We can enter in the morning, but we must leave the same day," the players were told, according to reports.
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