Omar Artan
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 →
"I promise you that I'll be officiating you in the next World Cup."View Story →
"What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me."View Story →
"I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one."View Story →
"I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud...Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged."View Story →
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."View Story →
"I am very, very disappointed."View Story →
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa. I am very, very disappointed. I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream – the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."View Story →
"Today, we are pointing out how FIFA's own constitution forbids countries from playing games on occupied territory without permission."View Story →
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."View Story →
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."View Story →
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."View Story →
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July 20, 2026Fifa to pay Somali referee Artan full World Cup fee
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his tournament fee from Fifa in full.
June 14, 2026FIFA faces protests in Toronto over Israel ties ahead of Canada World Cup match - Reuters
FIFA faces protests in Toronto over Israel ties ahead of Canada World Cup match Reuters
June 12, 2026World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests
There was a star-studded opening ceremony, and some sporadic clashes between police and protesters around the Azteca stadium.
June 11, 2026Artan to referee Uefa Super Cup after losing World Cup spot
Somali referee Omar Artan is appointed to take charge of the Uefa Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa later this summer after being denied a spot at the World Cup.
June 11, 2026FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup - Reuters
FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup Reuters
June 10, 2026Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'
Gianni Infantino faced the media for the first time in three years, but he did little to convince that Fifa has lost its grip on the organisation of the 2026 World Cup.
June 10, 2026World Cup referee denied US entry arrives home to hero's welcome in Somalia
Omar Artan vows to officiate at the 2030 tournament instead, following his ban from entering the US.
June 10, 2026Does 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