Key facts
- Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US by border officials.
- US officials cited suspected association with terror organizations, specifically Al Shabab, as the reason for refusal.
- FIFA has committed to paying Artan his full World Cup salary.
- Artan, the 2025 CAF men's referee of the year, expressed his disappointment but vowed to officiate in 2030.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States by border officials at Miami International Airport, preventing him from officiating at the World Cup. US immigration officials stated that Artan was suspected of being "associated with suspected members of terror organisations" and questioned him over alleged links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab. Artan maintained he had the necessary documentation and knew nothing about the organization.