Somali football official Omar Artan, the country's only FIFA World Cup referee, was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).CBP said a Somali national arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on June 6 was stopped during additional screening. Although the agency did not initially identify the traveller, the Associated Press later identified him as Artan. FIFA subsequently confirmed that he would not take part in World Cup preparations and would not officiate tournament matches unless his immigration status changes.Who is Omar Artan?Artan is one of Somalia's most prominent football officials and the only Somali referee selected for FIFA World Cup duties. His appointment was widely viewed as a major achievement for Somali football and African officiating on the global stage.In 2025, he was named Africa's Best Referee at a Confederation of African Football (CAF) ceremony in Morocco. He has overseen high-profile matches, including fixtures in the CAF Champions League.FIFA said it had no role in the immigration decision."FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan's status will not be changed at present," FIFA said."In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."Artan's absence is expected to be a significant loss for World Cup officiating, given his reputation as one of Africa's leading referees.Why was Omar Artan denied entry?CBP said Artan underwent a secondary inspection after arriving from Turkey."During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility," stated US Customs and Border Protection.After the review, CBP determined that he could not be admitted into the country."Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry," US Customs and Border Protection stated.The agency did not explain what the "vetting concerns" were and noted that all travellers, including athletes, coaches, referees and support staff, remain subject to inspection upon arrival."CBP officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law," US Customs and Border Protection added.