Thousands gather at Mogadishu to cheer Somali referee Omar Artan
Artan, who was Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first from his country to take charge of a FIFA World Cup game, but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry visa into the USA.
Somalia referee Omar Artan who was denied entry to the United States to officiate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, returned home to a hero’s welcome on Wednesday. He was received by supporters and officials after touching down in the capital city of Mogadishu.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident, he said to the people gathered there.
“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” Artan said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
Thousands of people began to gather at Stadium Mogadishu, where the renowned Somali international referee and CAF Referee of the Year, Omar Artan, is set to be welcomed. pic.twitter.com/JhG0Mqw6zP
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
Artan, who was Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first from his country to take charge of a FIFA World Cup game, but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry visa into the USA.
The referee said that he faced an 11-hour immigration interview and was detained for several hours before be was put on a flight back to Istanbul, Turkey.
Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also released a statement expressing deep regret over the USA’s decision to deny Artan entry.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its deep regret over the decision by the authorities of the United States of America to deny entry to Somali international referee Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Mr. Artan, the CAF referee of the year 2025 and Somalia’s most accomplished sporting figure and a source of immense national pride. The Federal Government of Somalia undertook diplomatic efforts with the relevant authorities in support of Mr. Artan’s travel. Regrettably, these efforts did not result in a favorable outcome. The Government of Somalia remains immensely proud of Mr. Artan’s achievements and contributions. His success continues to inspire Somali youth and demonstrates that talent, commitment, and perseverance can lead to international excellence. Mr. Artan has safely returned home and will continue to carry out his national and international responsibilities with the same dedication and professionalism that have defined his career,” the ministry said as per a tweet by Nasra Bashir Ali, whose X bio states that she is a Government Official, Office of the Somali Prime Minister, Federal Government of Somalia.
PRESS RELEASE
Mogadishu, Somalia
10 June 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its deep regret over the decision by the authorities of the United States of America to deny entry to Somali international… pic.twitter.com/KlZVlLGQtI
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
“The Ministry also extends its sincere appreciation to all brotherly countries, individuals, institutions, sporting bodies, and well-wishers who expressed solidarity and support during this period. The Federal Republic of Somalia will continue engaging with relevant partners to seek further clarification regarding this matter and to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens. Welcome home, Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The Somali people stand proudly with you and celebrate your remarkable achievements,” the tweet continued.
Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered hours before Artan arrived at Aden Adde International Airport.
As he disembarked, supporters waving Somali flags crowded around him before draping him in the flag.
He was then escorted by police officers to the airport’s VIP terminal, where he was welcomed by Somalia’s sports minister and other dignitaries, and spoke to journalists.
Meanwhile, a Trump administration official alleged that the 34-year-old was sent back because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
Omar Artan pic.twitter.com/7d2jcEkSiG
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),” a US official was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
(With agency inputs)
Somalia referee Omar Artan who was denied entry to the United States to officiate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, returned home to a hero’s welcome on Wednesday. He was received by supporters and officials after touching down in the capital city of Mogadishu.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident, he said to the people gathered there.
“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” Artan said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
Thousands of people began to gather at Stadium Mogadishu, where the renowned Somali international referee and CAF Referee of the Year, Omar Artan, is set to be welcomed. pic.twitter.com/JhG0Mqw6zP
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
Artan, who was Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first from his country to take charge of a FIFA World Cup game, but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry visa into the USA.
The referee said that he faced an 11-hour immigration interview and was detained for several hours before be was put on a flight back to Istanbul, Turkey.
Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also released a statement expressing deep regret over the USA’s decision to deny Artan entry.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its deep regret over the decision by the authorities of the United States of America to deny entry to Somali international referee Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Mr. Artan, the CAF referee of the year 2025 and Somalia’s most accomplished sporting figure and a source of immense national pride. The Federal Government of Somalia undertook diplomatic efforts with the relevant authorities in support of Mr. Artan’s travel. Regrettably, these efforts did not result in a favorable outcome. The Government of Somalia remains immensely proud of Mr. Artan’s achievements and contributions. His success continues to inspire Somali youth and demonstrates that talent, commitment, and perseverance can lead to international excellence. Mr. Artan has safely returned home and will continue to carry out his national and international responsibilities with the same dedication and professionalism that have defined his career,” the ministry said as per a tweet by Nasra Bashir Ali, whose X bio states that she is a Government Official, Office of the Somali Prime Minister, Federal Government of Somalia.
PRESS RELEASE
Mogadishu, Somalia
10 June 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its deep regret over the decision by the authorities of the United States of America to deny entry to Somali international… pic.twitter.com/KlZVlLGQtI
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
“The Ministry also extends its sincere appreciation to all brotherly countries, individuals, institutions, sporting bodies, and well-wishers who expressed solidarity and support during this period. The Federal Republic of Somalia will continue engaging with relevant partners to seek further clarification regarding this matter and to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens. Welcome home, Mr. Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The Somali people stand proudly with you and celebrate your remarkable achievements,” the tweet continued.
Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered hours before Artan arrived at Aden Adde International Airport.
As he disembarked, supporters waving Somali flags crowded around him before draping him in the flag.
He was then escorted by police officers to the airport’s VIP terminal, where he was welcomed by Somalia’s sports minister and other dignitaries, and spoke to journalists.
Meanwhile, a Trump administration official alleged that the 34-year-old was sent back because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
Omar Artan pic.twitter.com/7d2jcEkSiG
— Nasra Bashir Ali (@NasraBashiir) June 10, 2026
“This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),” a US official was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
(With agency inputs)
