FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the football governing body cannot override government immigration decisions after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite holding tournament accreditation.
Artan, one of Africa’s most respected referees and the 2025 CAF Referee of the Year, had been expected to become the first Somali official to take part in a FIFA World Cup finals.
Reports by international media outlets, including Reuters, Sky Sports and The Guardian, indicate that Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport after arriving in the United States.
Despite holding valid documentation linked to his FIFA assignment, he underwent extended checks by border authorities before being denied entry on the basis of what officials described as “vetting concerns.” He was later flown out of the country, ending his participation in the tournament.
Addressing the matter, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said:
“We always try to resolve situations, but we are not the kings of the world who can override governments.”
He added that FIFA can coordinate and advocate, but ultimate control over entry and visa decisions lies with sovereign states, particularly host nations of global tournaments.
Football analysts say Artan’s exclusion has renewed debate over fairness and consistency in World Cup participation rules, particularly for officials and teams from countries subject to stricter travel scrutiny.
Somali football stakeholders have described the decision as a significant setback, given Artan’s rising reputation and historic selection.
Artan’s career achievements remain widely recognised, and his exclusion has intensified discussion about the intersection of sport, diplomacy and national sovereignty.
