The Federal Republic of Somalia has expressed “deep regret” over the denial of entry to the United States to Omar Artan, a citizen of this African country and Africa’s best football referee, who was supposed to officiate at the World Cup matches.
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“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses deep regret over the decision of the US authorities to ban the entry of the Somali international arbitrator Omar Abdelkader Artan,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement.
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The ministry recalled that Artanu was awarded the title of the best referee in Africa in 2025, and is also one of the most popular sports figures in Somalia.
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The Somali Foreign Ministry reported that they tried to resolve the issue of the arbitrator’s entry through diplomatic channels, but all efforts were unsuccessful.
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At the same time, Somali diplomats promised to continue efforts to clarify the reasons for this decision by the American authorities.
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Earlier, the American authorities refused to allow Artan to enter the country without explaining the reasons. The organizers were criticized for the harsh screening of players from a number of national teams after arriving in the United States.
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The president of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, called the situation with the Somali referee unpleasant, but admitted that the organization could not control everything.
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The FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday with the Mexico – South Africa match in Mexico City, the tournament meetings will also be held in the USA and Canada.
