ISTANBUL – Somali international referee Omar Artan says the “dream of my life” has been shattered after he was denied entry into the United States and deported shortly after arriving in Miami for a major World Cup-related assignment.
Artan, regarded as one of Africa’s leading football referees, had travelled from Istanbul to Miami on Saturday alongside a group of officials selected for World Cup preparation and officiating duties. He was expected to join 52 referees taking part in official tournament-related training and coordination activities.
However, upon arrival at Miami International Airport, US immigration authorities reportedly stopped Artan for further questioning and placed him under secondary inspection. He was held in a separate room at the airport for around 11 hours before being put on a return flight back to Istanbul.
The incident effectively ended his participation in the assignment.
Speaking after his removal, Artan expressed strong disappointment, saying he had followed all required procedures and held valid travel documents.
“I am very, very disappointed,” he said.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.
“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.
“I think that they have a problem with my country.”
Artan did not provide further details on the circumstances of the questioning or the specific reasons given by US authorities for his removal.
The incident has drawn attention within football officiating circles, particularly given Artan’s reputation as one of Somalia’s most experienced referees and a rising figure in African football refereeing. He has officiated in several high-profile international fixtures and was considered part of Africa’s expanding presence in elite global football officiating.
As of now, US immigration authorities have not issued any public statement regarding the case or the reasons for his denied entry.
The episode has sparked debate among sports officials and fans, with many expressing surprise that a referee cleared for international duties could be prevented from entering the country at the final stage of travel.
