The Pulse Today
BREAKING
Sajib Pledges Aid for 50,000 Flood-Affected People in SonargaonMP Azharul Islam Mannan Distributes Relief Funds to Needy Families in SonargaonParliament Proposes Anti-Gambling Bill with Maximum 7-Year Prison PenaltyOpenAI Unveils 'Schedule' Feature to Boost Task Management in AI ChatbotPrime Minister Tareq Rahman Arrives in Dalian, China for Economic ForumEurope Confronts Intense Heatwave; Conditions Predicted to DeteriorateGold Prices Rise Again in Bangladesh Amid Global Market IncreaseSpaceX's Nasdaq Debut Values Company at Over $2 Trillion, Surpassing AmazonStudy Reveals AI Data Centers Contribute to Local Temperature IncreasesNarayanganj BNP Youth Wing Holds Rally to Welcome New Central CommitteeBNP Chairman Tarique Rahman Tasked with Selecting Presidential CandidateAgriculture Minister Advocates for Unity to Safeguard Democracy and Economic StabilityBangladesh Government Commits to Transparent and Affordable Hajj ManagementBNP National Standing Committee Meets in Dhaka to Discuss Key Political StrategiesBGB Thwarts Major Gold Smuggling Attempt, Seizes 6.968 kg Worth Tk 13.33 Crore at Chuadanga BorderRajshahi College Begins Registration for 150th Anniversary FestivitiesFatal Septic Tank Collapse in Bagerhat: Worker Dies, Another InjuredHealth Minister Warns of Strict Measures Against Hospital NegligenceGovernment Announces Extension Plan for Sylhet-Jaflong Railway LineRajshahi Shishu Academy Organizes Tree Plantation Drive to Promote AfforestationMinister Highlights Government's Commitment to Citizen Service and Rights ProtectionSwapon Honors Khaleda Zia's Leadership and Democratic ContributionsBangladesh Government Seeks to Empower Differently Abled Citizens with TechnologyRangpur Shishu Hospital, Featuring Modern Facilities, Scheduled to Open by SeptemberMinister Dulu Emphasizes Tree Care, Moral Education, and Social Responsibility

Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from 2026 World Cup Due to US Entry Denial

Omar Artan, Africa's top referee, was excluded from the World Cup due to inability to enter the United States.

By Staff Correspondent
Share
যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে ঢুকতে না পেরে বিশ্বকাপ থেকে বাদ পড়লেন আফ্রিকার সেরা রেফারি

Omar Artan, Africa's top referee and the 2025 CAF Referee of the Year, was excluded from the World Cup due to his inability to enter the United States. Artan, who was turned away at Miami International Airport, is currently in Turkey. FIFA confirmed that Artan cannot officiate at the 2026 World Cup as he was denied entry to the US.

Artan, 34, is one of Africa's most prominent referees. He became a FIFA international referee in 2018 and officiated the 2025 African Champions League final. This year, he served as a member of the refereeing committee and led the officials' team in the same competition's final.

US immigration authorities have not disclosed the reason for Artan's return. Somalia is among the countries listed in the travel ban issued by the Trump administration. FIFA stated that after discussions with US authorities, Artan will not be able to officiate at the World Cup.

FIFA's statement read: 'Match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan cannot perform match officiating and training duties at the 2026 World Cup due to lack of entry permission to the US. FIFA has no role in the host country's immigration processes, visa approvals or rejections. The relevant authorities informed us that Artan's situation remains unchanged.'

The statement added: 'As in previous editions, the final decision on whether an individual will receive a visa and be allowed to enter the country rests with the host country's government.'

A senior advisor at Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed to the BBC that Omar Artan was not allowed to enter the US. He stated that Artan was traveling with valid travel documents.

An official at the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, told the BBC that a diplomatic passport was specially issued for Artan to facilitate his travel due to previous visa complications.

The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted FIFA for an urgent explanation regarding the incident.

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, told BBC World Service: 'I cannot provide detailed information on negative or confidential information regarding this matter. However, I can say that the decision by Customs and Border Protection was correct, and I support that decision.'

In a statement to AFP, Artan said he wants to focus on the future. Artan said: 'Despite the situation I am going through, I remain positive and am focusing on the next challenges in my refereeing career.'

Artan added: 'Thank you to everyone in the football family who has sent messages of support and best wishes. My best wishes go out to my colleagues who will be officiating at the World Cup. I look forward to working with them again in future competitions.'

Artan was one of 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, to be held jointly in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will take place from June 11 to July 19.

FAQ

Why was Omar Artan excluded from the World Cup?
Omar Artan was excluded from the World Cup because he was denied entry to the United States.

Topics

Comments

More in Sports

See all →

Latest stories