A prime Somalian referee who was set to officiate video games at the World Cup has been blocked from coming into the US over his alleged hyperlinks to terrorist organizations.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 33, was interrogated by border officers at Miami International Airport for 11 hours Saturday, before he was held in a jail cell and compelled to go away the nation, according to The Athletic.
Customs and Border Protection officers claimed that Artan was blocked from coming into the US over “vetting concerns.” On Tuesday, US officers said that the referee was barred due to an “association with suspected members of terror organizations.”
Omar Abdulkadir Artan smiles as he lands in Somalia. REUTERS
After touchdown in Florida, Artan was questioned over Somalian politics and the Al Shabaab terrorist group, which US Africa Command described in 2022 as “the largest, wealthiest, and most lethal Al Qaeda affiliate.”
AFRICOM said the group “poses the greatest danger to US citizens and interests in East Africa and is a threat to the United States.”
Artan’s identify is comparable to that of a man who has hyperlinks to the terror group, which is sanctioned by the US Treasury, the New York Times reported.
The referee, who was named Africa’s finest referee in 2025, was quizzed if he had ever met anyone from the group, which he denied.
Andrew Giuliani, the government director of the White House FIFA Task Force, beforehand said earlier Tuesday there was a “very good reason” why Artan was blocked from coming into the US.
“While I can’t go into the derog on that I can tell you it was right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision,” Giuliani advised the BBC.
“Anybody who’s communicating with bad actors… are not going to be admitted,” Giuliani advised Sky News.
Last June, President Trump announced a blanket ban on residents from Somalia coming into the US. The nation was one of 12 nations initially included in the ban.
Sports followers maintain up pictures of the referee in support of him. REUTERS
The US authorities considers Somalia to be a “terrorist safe haven,” where dangerous actors “plan, facilitate and conduct their operations.”
“Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States,” the White House warned.
Despite displaying his FIFA accreditation, visa, and proof of his refereeing profession, Artan was put on a flight to Istanbul — where he had jetted in from.
The referee officiated the CAF Champions League ultimate in May. AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy
“I had the right papers and everything. “I had the right visa,” he advised the New York Times, before blaming the federal authorities.
“I think that they have a problem with my country.”
Last December, President Trump branded Somali migrants in Minnesota “garbage” amid the backdrop of the focused immigration enforcement operations that were going down in the state.
Artan’s World Cup desires were dashed even though the match is being performed across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
He also refereed at the African Cup of Nations match. AFP via Getty Images
The 140 referees and assistants who are collaborating in the match must keep at a hub in Miami, which was created by legendary official Pierluigi Collina.
Artan had been making ready for this summer time’s match by taking programs with FIFA in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Hassan Ali Khaire, Somalia’s Prime Minister, said he’s “deeply disappointed” Artan is unable to officiate.
“He represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe excellence should be recognized on the world stage,” he said.
The referee has been listed by FIFA since 2018 and has officiated at main African competitions, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has not commented on Artan’s case. But just last yr, he said, “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the FIFA World Cup.”
With Post wires
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