SALZBURG — Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has spoken about the difficult experience of being denied entry to the United States, a decision that prevented him from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan had been selected as a World Cup match official and was on course to become the first Somali referee to officiate at the tournament. However, after arriving at Miami International Airport on June 6, he was denied entry despite holding a valid U.S. visa.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reportedly determined that Artan was inadmissible because of “vetting concerns,” although further details about the decision were not publicly disclosed.
FIFA subsequently confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in the World Cup.
For the 34-year-old referee, the decision came after years of preparation and represented a major setback in what has been a rapidly rising international career. Artan described the period as a particularly difficult moment but said he remained grateful for the support he received from supporters, colleagues and football communities around the world.
His disappointment was soon followed by another historic opportunity.
Only five days after the U.S. entry decision, Artan was appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, following discussions between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
On August 12, Artan is scheduled to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment will make Artan the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup and will also mark his first refereeing assignment in European club football.
The UEFA appointment has been widely viewed as a significant recognition of Artan’s abilities and of the growing presence of African referees on the international stage.
Artan’s career has developed rapidly since he joined the FIFA international refereeing list in 2018. In 2024, he became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He later made history again by becoming the first Somali referee to officiate a CAF Champions League final, further establishing himself among Africa’s leading match officials.
In 2025, Artan was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, an award that highlighted his growing reputation within African football.
Despite the setback in the United States, Artan has used his experience to encourage young referees and aspiring football professionals to remain committed to their ambitions.
“Don’t ever stop dreaming,” Artan said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in overcoming difficult moments.
His journey from being denied entry to the World Cup to receiving a historic UEFA Super Cup appointment has attracted significant attention across Somalia and Africa.
The upcoming match represents more than just another assignment for Artan. It is an opportunity to make history on one of European football’s biggest stages and demonstrate that setbacks do not necessarily define an athlete’s career.
For Somalia, Artan’s achievement represents a major milestone in the country’s football history and a significant recognition of African refereeing talent at the highest level of international football.
His story also serves as an example to young Somalis and African athletes that determination, professionalism and persistence can create opportunities even after major disappointments.
