OA
Omar Artan
Athlete
Somali referee Omar Artan was set to become the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Notable Quotes
"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career."View Story →
"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."View Story →
"I would like to thank Fifa and Caf for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future."View Story →
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."View Story →
"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career."View Story →
Related Stories
Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup?
With referee Omar Artan denied entry to the United States and worries over staff and supporters being turned back, what does this tell us about the World Cup?
June 9, 2026Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament - Reuters
Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament Reuters
June 9, 2026Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut - Reuters
Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut Reuters
June 9, 2026Somali referee Artan barred from entering USA
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, is denied entry to the United States.
June 8, 2026