Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan touched down in Mogadishu Wednesday, met by cheering crowds, government officials, and fellow referees. His welcome was warm, but the reason for his return was not.
The 34-year-old, named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was set to make history as the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. Instead, he was stopped at Miami International Airport on Monday. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid US visa, immigration officials detained him for 11 hours and put him on a flight back to Istanbul. No official reason was given.
Somalia is on the US travel ban list reintroduced by President Donald Trump in June 2025. A White House World Cup task force official backed the decision, saying it was “the right call by customs and border patrol.” Because all match officials are based in Florida for training and security, Artan couldn’t referee games in Canada or Mexico instead.
Dropped from FIFA’s list of 52 referees, Artan called it an “unfortunate” end to what he called “the biggest dream of my life.” But he landed in Mogadishu with his message unchanged.
“Everything is pre-destined. I promise you I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup,” he told supporters at Aden Adde Airport, flag draped over his shoulders. He urged Somali youth not to lose hope: “That flag is ours and so is the passport – let’s defend it. The youth shouldn’t be demoralised.”
He’s expected at Mogadishu Stadium later Wednesday to watch a local match between Heegan and Dekadaha. His World Cup dream is delayed, not dead.
