Designated by FIFA to officiate matches in the tournament, Artan was set to make history as the first referee from Somalia to participate in a World Cup. However, the dream was shattered last Saturday when he was intercepted by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport.
Despite having been issued a valid visa by the Somali embassy in Kenya last week, the US Customs and Border Protection Office prevented his entry citing "verification concerns," without providing details on the reasons. With the referee unable to fulfill his duties, FIFA proceeded to remove him from the official list of referees for the tournament.
This highly unusual measure has sparked a global wave of outrage and raised serious doubts about the suitability of the United States as a host country. The incident occurs within the context of strict immigration restrictions imposed by the administration of Donald Trump, affecting nearly 40 nations, including Somalia.
After being rejected on US soil, Artan began a long journey back that included a layover in Istanbul. At the Turkish terminal, the referee avoided delving into the controversy, simply thanking the "unconditional support" from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Finally, this Wednesday, he arrived in Mogadishu, where he was welcomed as a hero by a crowd of supporters waving the national flag.
Artan, named best male referee in Africa in 2025, displayed a resilient attitude towards his compatriots: "I promise you, God willing, I will attend the next one," he said, urging the Somali population to maintain confidence. However, the case sets a troubling precedent on how foreign policy can directly interfere with the development of the world's biggest sports competition.