Somali referee Omar Artan barred from US, dropped from 2026 World Cup officials list
By
Mike Peter, Abdinasir Ali
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Summary
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals, has been removed from the 2026 World Cup officials list after being denied entry to the United States. FIFA stated it is not involved in host country immigration processes and that the host government ultimately determines visa decisions. The tournament's referees chief Pierluigi Collina has established a training hub in Miami where all on-pitch officials must stay, making it impossible for Artan to participate from outside the US.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFifa 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.
It would therefore not be possible for Artan to stay out
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