Somali World Cup Referee Denied Entry to U.S. Due to Security Concerns

Omar Artan, a Somali referee, was denied entry to the United States upon his arrival at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on June 6. Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup task force, stated that Artan had been in communication with individuals deemed problematic prior to his arrival. Federal authorities, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), cited 'derogatory information' related to Artan's associations with suspected terror organizations as the reason for his inadmissibility. CBP confirmed that admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using available law enforcement and national security information. Giuliani noted that specific details regarding Artan's communications are classified but affirmed that the decision to deny entry was appropriate. FIFA released a statement on Artan's behalf, indicating that he would not participate in World Cup events but expressed optimism for his future in refereeing. Upon returning to Somalia, Artan was welcomed by supporters at a stadium in Mogadishu.