A FIFA World Cup referee’s trip to the United States came to an abrupt end last week after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determined he was not eligible to enter the country, despite reportedly holding a valid visa.
CBP confirmed Monday that Somali national Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport on June 6 following an additional inspection process. FIFA later acknowledged that Artan had been selected to officiate matches during the World Cup.
According to CBP, the decision came after officials conducted further vetting.
“During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the agency said in a statement. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”
The agency did not publicly specify the nature of those concerns.
The case arrives against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s June 2025 travel restrictions on several countries, including Somalia. The administration cited terrorism risks, inadequate security screening procedures, and concerns about information-sharing capabilities when implementing the policy.
While possessing a visa generally permits a traveler to seek admission into the United States, visas do not guarantee entry. Customs and Border Protection officers retain the authority to deny admission if concerns arise during inspection.
For Artan, the decision meant missing a significant professional opportunity.
Despite the setback, the referee struck a notably measured tone in a statement released Monday.
“Despite the circumstances, I am still in a positive mood,” Artan said.
“I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career. I would like to thank FIFA and [the African federation] for all their support, and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future. I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup, and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”
FIFA also addressed the situation, noting that immigration decisions ultimately belong to the host nation and are outside the organization’s control.
The incident highlights the challenges that can arise when international sporting events intersect with national immigration and security policies. While FIFA organizes tournaments and selects officials, host governments maintain final authority over who is permitted to enter their borders.
Artan’s case is not the only recent example of heightened scrutiny involving individuals connected to international soccer. Earlier this month, Swiss national team star Breel Embolo initially encountered difficulties obtaining authorization to travel to the United States. Officials reportedly reviewed a prior verbal altercation involving Embolo in Basel, Switzerland, before ultimately allowing him to enter after determining the incident was not violent.
In Artan’s case, however, the review process ended differently.
Neither CBP nor FIFA has indicated whether any appeal or reconsideration process is underway. For now, one of the officials selected for the World Cup will be watching from outside the United States rather than participating on the field.
