Somali FIFA World Cup Official Denied Entry to United States

Somali FIFA World Cup Official Denied Entry to United States

• US Customs and Border Protection confirmed on Monday that a Somali referee designated for the World Cup was refused entry at Miami International Airport this past Saturday.

Somali official Omar Artan has been barred from entering the United States despite being selected to officiate matches during the upcoming World Cup. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on Monday that a Somali national traveling to referee in the tournament was denied entry upon arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. Although the official CBP statement did not identify the individual by name, Artan is the sole referee representing Somalia in the World Cup.

“During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the CBP stated. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

The CBP emphasized that all individuals seeking entry into the United States—including athletes, coaching staff, and tournament personnel—are subject to standard inspection and vetting procedures.

“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the agency added. “CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law.”

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