NAIROBI — Somali football official Omar Artan has publicly thanked Kenyan President William Ruto for what he described as early and meaningful support after he was reportedly denied entry into the United States ahead of a World Cup officiating assignment.
In a statement shared through Northern Voice, Artan said the Kenyan leader was “among the first African leaders” to reach out to him during the incident, offering encouragement and solidarity at a time he described as personally and professionally challenging.
Artan said the gesture went beyond diplomatic protocol, noting that the support helped him remain “focused and encouraged” despite uncertainty surrounding his travel and officiating duties.
He did not disclose the specific reasons for the alleged US entry denial, nor did he name the exact World Cup match he had been scheduled to officiate. However, the incident has drawn attention within football circles, where international referees often rely on timely visa approvals to fulfill high-level assignments.
Observers note that travel and documentation issues have previously affected the participation of sports officials in major tournaments, particularly when competitions involve multiple host countries or strict entry requirements.
Artan, a FIFA-listed referee, has officiated in several international fixtures in recent years and is regarded as part of a growing group of East African match officials gaining prominence on the global stage.
The Kenyan presidency has not issued additional public comment on the matter.
