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A Somali World Cup referee, who was denied entry to the United States days before the tournament kicked off in North America by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was flagged for “derogatory” information, including “association with suspected members of terrorist organizations,” a Trump administration official told PK Press Club.
The flag made Omar Artan banned from entering the United States
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Referee Omar Artan arrives in Mogadishu, Somalia, after being denied entry to the United States on June 10, 2026. (Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP)
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States,” a Trump administration official said in a statement. “Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terrorist organizations, was discovered, rendering the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“The traveler was denied entry and provided with immigration forms that provide the section of law used to make an expedited removal under INA Section 8235. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threats to enter our country – period.”
Artan was denied entry to Miami International Airport on Saturday due to “screening issues,” CBP said in a statement. He reportedly received a visa for the United States last week, according to the Somali embassy in Kenya which processed him. He was to meet other referees for training at their base in Miami.
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Somali referee Omar Artan is confronted by players after ordering a penalty during the CAF Champions League final between AS FAR Rabat and Mamelodi Sundowns in Rabat, Morocco on May 24, 2026. (Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP)
He returned to Somalia on Wednesday and thanked his supporters.
“I promise you, God willing, I will attend the next one,” he said. “I want the Somali public to be reassured by this and remain confident.”
Somalia is one of about three dozen countries under travel restrictions under the Trump administration as it has focused on illegal immigration. Artan was to become the first Somali referee to officiate at the World Cup and is among the best referees in Africa.
“It’s up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” Artan said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is bad or good. This flag belongs to us and this passport belongs to us.”
Referee Omar Artan is greeted by supporters upon his arrival in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 10, 2026, after being denied entry to the United States. (Farah Abdi Warsameh/Associated Press)
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The World Cup begins Thursday with the United States, Mexico and Canada hosting each of the matches. The World Cup final will take place on July 18 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
