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British press reports found that the American authorities justified the decision Somali international referee Omar Abdelkader Artan has been disqualifiedfrom entering its territory to participate in match management for the 2026 World Cup.
According to the Telegraph, President Donald Trump’s administration attributed the decision to “concerns about terrorism and national security.”
According to the details published by the newspaper, Artan was subjected to intensive and exclusive security examination upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
Intelligence checks revealed, according to the newspaper’s American story, “the presence of information linking him to individuals suspected of having ties to terrorist organizations,” prompting the U.S. Border Protection Agency to immediately revoke his visa and deport him, deeming his entry into the country a “national security threat.”
Meanwhile, the International Football Federation (FIFA) has raised the white flag and announced the complete expulsion of the Somali referee from the tournament, stressing that he has no right to interfere with the sovereign and security decisions of the host countries.
This safety decision shattered a historic sporting dream. Artan was set to become the first Somali referee in history to officiate a World Cup finals match.
Artan is considered one of the most famous rulers of the African continent and he received the international badge in 2018. He was also named Africa’s Best Referee for 2025 and was given a special honor by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last April.
