CAF Referee of the Year Omar Abdulkadir Artan could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a reported entry setback.
FIFA selected the Somali official for the expanded 48-team tournament.
However, reports indicate US authorities denied him entry shortly after his arrival from Turkey.
Officials then placed him on a return flight to Turkey.
Authorities have not released an official explanation for the decision.
Nevertheless, reports link the incident to expanded US visa restrictions.
Those restrictions reportedly affect citizens from several countries, including Somalia.
So far, neither FIFA nor US officials have addressed the matter publicly.
Concerns Grow Over Historic Appointment
A senior advisor to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ciise Aden Abshir, criticised the decision.
The former Somalia captain told AFP: “Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.”
Abshir said Artan held a valid US visa before travelling.
He added that the referee has since returned to Istanbul.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir added.
As a result, Artan’s involvement in the World Cup now appears uncertain.
The situation threatens to derail a landmark moment in his career.
Artan earned widespread recognition through consistent performances across African football.
Consequently, CAF named him Referee of the Year.
His World Cup selection also represented a proud achievement for Somali football.
He was set to showcase Somali officiating on football’s biggest stage.
With the tournament approaching rapidly, uncertainty remains over his availability.
It is still unclear whether officials can resolve the matter before matches begin.
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