FIFA boss Infantino says case of Somali referee 'unfortunate'
FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday described as "unfortunate" the case of Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States...
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the case of Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States, "unfortunate."
- Omar Abdulkadir Artan, voted Africa's top men's referee, was refused entry to the United States despite reportedly having a valid visa.
- A US State Department official stated Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," making him ineligible for admission.
- Artan would have been the first match official from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals.
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FIFA President Infantino Calls Somali Referee Denial Unfortunate - June 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the case of Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States, "unfortunate." Artan, who had previously been denied entry to the United States, was subsequently appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup. On the eve of the 2026 Men's World Cup, Infantino faced questions from the media addressing multiple off-field controversies including ticket prices and the barring of officials from the United States. The denial of the Somali referee has added to the pre-tournament scrutiny facing FIFA leadership.
