Somali referee barred from US amid alleged terror links
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States after arriving for the World Cup finals, officials said the decision was based on “association with suspected members of terror organisations”.
Artan, 34, who was named Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year in 2025, had a diplomatic passport and a single‑entry US visa. He was scheduled to join the on‑pitch official crew in Miami, but Customs and Border Protection refused him entry on Monday.
The US statement cites the Immigration and Nationality Act section 8235, describing him as a security threat. The decision came despite Somalia’s inclusion in a travel‑ban list that was first announced by President Donald Trump in 2025 – a list covering 12 countries.
After being turned away, Artan flew back to Mogadishu, where he was greeted by officials from the Somali Football Federation and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He used the occasion to reaffirm his ambition to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
Artan said he was questioned by border staff about alleged ties to the militant group Al Shabaab. He denied any association and told the New York Times he had no links to the group.
The incident has sparked debate over the boundaries of diplomatic visas, security screening and the role of sport in international relations. Critics argue the travel ban could hinder athletes and officials from conflict‑affected regions, while supporters stress the necessity of protecting national security.
