Top African Referee Barred From U.S. Despite Diplomatic Status

WHO:

Reddit Sports - Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, elected as the best African referee by CAF in 2025.

Daily Mail Sports - A Somali referee acclaimed as the best in Africa.

WHAT:

Reddit Sports - Omar Abdulkadir Artan was chosen by FIFA for the World Cup.

Daily Mail Sports - The referee was denied entry to the United States and sent back to Istanbul after landing at Miami Airport.

WHERE:

Daily Mail Sports - Miami Airport, United States.

Daily Mail Sports - Istanbul, Turkey.

HOW:

Daily Mail Sports - The referee was sent back on a flight after being denied entry despite holding a diplomatic passport.

(UPDATED June 8, 2026 18:01 UTC)

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was named the best African referee by CAF in 2025, has been selected by FIFA to officiate at the upcoming World Cup. However, upon arriving at Miami Airport, he was denied entry into the United States and was sent back to Istanbul on a flight, despite holding a diplomatic passport. This incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by international officials traveling for major sporting events.