FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee, Omar Artan, will miss the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

According to a statement reported by BBC Sport on Monday, world football’s governing body said Artan will be unable to officiate at the tournament following the decision by US authorities.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection explained Artan had undergone “additional inspection” on arrival on Saturday as officers looked to determine whether to let him into the country.

Adding that: “Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

A Somali government representative, sports ministry advisor Ciise Aden Abshir, told AFP: “Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.

“Denying him entry and preventing him officiating harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.”

The Somali Referee has been on FIFA’s refereeing list since 2018 and has officiated at major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and has received CAF award recognition as one of the continent’s top referees in recent years.