2026 World Cup: FIFA confirms African referee has been sent back home

FIFA has confirmed that referee, Omar Artan from Somalia, will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.

In a statement on Monday, the world football governing body explained that Artan will be unable to train or officiate, following the decision by US authorities.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” it read in part.

The statement added that it is the host government that ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.

Artan, who has been on FIFA’s refereeing list since 2018, was denied entry into America despite holding a valid visa.

He has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and has received CAF award recognition as one of Africa’s top referees in recent years.