A United States official has confirmed that Omar Artan, the Somali referee denied entry to America earlier this week, was barred because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
The 34-year-old, who was named Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, had been set to make history as the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. However, his dream was cut short on Monday when he was refused admission at Miami International Airport despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa.
Speaking to reporters, a source within the Trump administration defended the decision, stating: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP (Custom and Border Protection), derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”
The official added that Artan was given immigration forms outlining the legal basis for his expedited removal, concluding with a firm declaration: “President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
Somalia is among a dozen countries included on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump, a factor that had already raised concerns about Artan’s ability to enter the US.
According to a report by the New York Times, Artan told border officials during questioning that he knew nothing about the Somali militant group Al Shabab, to which his alleged links were traced.
The referee arrived back in Somalia on Wednesday to a warm reception. At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, he was greeted by government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and local residents. He later met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace.
BBC Sport approached Artan for comment, but he had not responded at the time of this report.
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