According to reports emerging on Tuesday night, a US official claimed that the decision followed security vetting carried out by immigration authorities upon Artan’s arrival in the United States. The official, who spoke anonymously due to visa privacy laws, alleged that authorities discovered what they described as “derogatory information” connected to suspected terror-related individuals.
Artan, who had been selected by FIFA as one of the referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was expected to make history as the first Somali referee ever to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament. The highly respected official had also been crowned Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, earning recognition across the continent for his outstanding performances.
Reports indicate that the Somali referee arrived in Miami from Istanbul before being stopped by US Customs and Border Protection officials. Despite reportedly possessing a valid visa and FIFA accreditation, he was subjected to extensive questioning before eventually being denied entry into the country.
The US administration has not publicly released detailed evidence supporting the allegations. However, officials insist that the decision was based on national security concerns tied to immigration vetting procedures.
Speaking after the incident, Artan expressed disappointment over the development, insisting he had only been pursuing his lifelong dream of officiating on football’s biggest stage.
“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream,” Artan reportedly said after the decision.
FIFA later confirmed that the Somali official would no longer participate in the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The decision has triggered widespread reactions across the football world, especially in Somalia, where Artan is viewed as a national hero and a symbol of hope for young African referees. Upon returning to Mogadishu, the referee reportedly received a hero’s welcome from supporters and football officials.
Many football fans and analysts have also raised concerns about how immigration policies could affect international sporting competitions hosted in the United States. Critics argue that the controversy could cast a shadow over FIFA’s message of global unity and inclusion during the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off this week, with millions of football fans around the globe eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament.