Omotayo Fashola
(Omar Artan. Photo by BBC)
Somali football referee Omar Artan received a jubilant homecoming in Mogadishu after being refused entry to the U.S. for the upcoming World Cup, declaring his determination to officiate in the 2030 edition.
Dozens of enthusiastic fans gathered at Aden Adde International Airport, chanting and waving Somali flags as Artan stepped off his flight, greeted by thunderous applause.
“This setback won’t stop me. I will return stronger and represent my country on football’s biggest stage,” Artan assured reporters, visibly moved by the warm reception.
The Confederation of African Football’s 2025 Referee of the Year was detained at Miami Airport and denied entry over alleged ties to individuals flagged for security concerns by U.S. authorities.
FIFA later announced his removal from the officiating roster for the tournament, which begins this week in North America.
The decision triggered anger across Somalia, with government official Mohamed Said condemning the move as “an injustice not just to Omar but to all Somalis who believe in fairness.”
Artan’s selection had been celebrated nationwide, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailing him as “a beacon of hope for Somalia’s youth” earlier this year.
