FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not officiate at the upcoming World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.
Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most respected match officials, was expected to be part of the tournament’s officiating team.
However, his participation has been ruled out following immigration complications.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the referee travelled with a valid U.S. visa.
Despite this, Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, preventing Artan from entering the host nation.
In a statement, FIFA emphasized that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host countries.
“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,” the governing body said.
The organization further noted that, as with previous FIFA tournaments, the final decision on visa approvals and admission into a country rests solely with the host government’s immigration authorities.
The development has sparked discussion within football circles, with many expressing disappointment that a highly regarded African referee will miss the opportunity to officiate on football’s biggest stage despite reportedly possessing valid travel documentation.