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After 11 hours of interrogation by US immigration at Miami International Airport on Monday, Omar Artan was told he would not be allowed into the country. His diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected.
Artan is suspected of being “associated with suspected members of terror organisations” by US officials. He was questioned over his links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab and told border officials he knew nothing about the organisation.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” said Artan.
Fifa assisted Artan after being put on a plane to Somalia, and reports from BBC Sport claim they committed to paying his salary.
“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,” said Artan.
The actual fee received by referees after the World Cup isn’t known yet.
2025 CAF Men’s referee of the year
Despite the setback, Artan remains one of the most respected officials on the African continent.
Artan was designated as the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year. He has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on 12 August.
He was also in the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
After returning to his country, the 34-year-old referee thanked “my people and my country” and has vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.