WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reportedly criticized the decision to deny Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry into the United States, according to statements circulating on social media and attributed to her.
Clinton is said to have described the situation as a “serious setback” for the spirit of international sport and global competition, arguing that countries hosting major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup should ensure that officials and participants are able to carry out their professional duties without unnecessary barriers.
The remarks have not been independently verified by major international news organizations.
The comments come amid growing international attention surrounding the case of Artan, one of Africa’s leading football referees, who was selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup following his recognition as the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Best Male Referee for 2025.
His appointment had been widely celebrated in Somalia, where it was seen as a historic milestone and a breakthrough for Somali representation in global football.
However, his exclusion from the tournament after being denied entry into the United States has sparked debate within sporting and political circles, with critics questioning how immigration decisions may affect participation in international competitions.
The case has drawn strong reactions in Somalia, where government officials, football authorities and civil society groups have expressed disappointment over the decision. Public discussions have increasingly framed Artan’s exclusion as both a sporting and symbolic issue, rather than a purely administrative matter.
Plans are underway in Mogadishu for a large public reception to honor Artan upon his expected return, with authorities and community leaders calling for a coordinated national event involving government figures, opposition representatives, and sports supporters.
The Banadir Regional Administration is expected to oversee security and logistical arrangements for the gathering, including traffic management and crowd control measures.
The controversy has also highlighted broader concerns about the challenges faced by sports officials and athletes traveling internationally for major events, particularly in cases involving strict immigration policies.
FIFA has previously stated that entry and visa decisions remain the responsibility of host countries, while it coordinates with officials to facilitate participation in its tournaments.
As debate continues, Artan remains widely regarded as one of the most prominent referees in African football, and his exclusion from the World Cup has become one of the most discussed officiating-related controversies ahead of the 2026 tournament.
