A 34-year-old Somali referee, Omar Artan, was refused entry to the United States at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry visa. Officials cited ''derogatory information'' linking Artan to suspected members of terror organisations.
Artan is the most highly-rated African referee, having been named CAF men's referee of the year in 2025 and one of 52 officials selected for the 2030 World Cup. His coaching and training sessions for the tournament had been scheduled to take place in Florida, the base camp for all on-pitch officials.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer explained that the traveler was ineligible under sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and that the traveler was given forms for expedited removal. The decision was described by a Trump-era source as a matter of security, ''no question that any threat is denied entry.''
After the denial, Artan flew back to Mogadishu, where he was greeted by government officials, the Somali Football Federation and local fans. He stood before the presidential palace and promised to continue training for the World Cup, saying that his ''dream'' is to officiate in the next tournament.
The incident raises questions about the fairness of travel bans on sports officials and the balance between national security and sporting integrity. It also highlights the growing reach of U.S. visa restrictions across the African continent.
