Fifa referee denied entry to US for World Cup, raising questions about tournament control
9 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a BBC News report, Somali referee Omar Artan, who was selected as Africa’s top official for the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry into the United States after an 11-hour immigration interview in Miami and was put on a return flight to Mogadishu. Artan stated he had the correct visa and paperwork. The incident has prompted criticism from discrimination campaign group Fare, whose executive director Piara Powar said it shows “fears of an ideological and discriminatory visa policy from the US government is being realised.” Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said he could not discuss derogatory information but supported the decision by customs and border patrol. Fifa stated it “is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications.” The report notes that the US has placed a full entry ban covering 12 countries, including Somalia and three World Cup finalists, and that President Donald Trump previously referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage.” The article raises questions about Fifa’s control over the tournament, as concerns also remain about potential ICE presence at stadiums and difficulties for fans and team staff from certain nations.
What’s reported
Omar Artan, a Somali referee and Africa’s number one official, was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup after an 11-hour immigration interview in Miami.
Artan said he had the right visa and paperwork.
Piara Powar of Fare said the incident shows “fears of an ideological and discriminatory visa policy from the US government is being realised.”
Andrew Giuliani of the White House Task Force on the World Cup said he could not discuss derogatory information but supported the decision.
Fifa said it is not involved in host country immigration processes.
The US has a full entry ban covering 12 countries, including Somalia and three World Cup finalists (DR Congo, Iran, Haiti).
President Trump previously referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage” and said they should “go back to where they came from.”
Iran has accused the US of denying visas to 15 “integral” members of its backroom staff.
Concerns remain about potential ICE presence at stadiums and fan access.
Open questions
What specific derogatory information, if any, led to Artan’s denial of entry.
How Fifa allowed the situation to develop given its previous statements about access for World Cup participants.
Whether Iran’s team will be able to enter the US for their matches.
Key figures
Omar Artan – Somali referee selected for the 2026 World Cup
Piara Powar – Executive director of Fare (discrimination campaign group)
Andrew Giuliani – Leader of the White House Task Force on the World Cup
Gianni Infantino – Fifa president
Donald Trump – United States president
Ian Wright – Former Arsenal and England striker
Thomas Concannon – Leader of the FSA’s England fans’ group
Sources: BBC News
