Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry to the US for World Cup
Story essentials
Omar Artan, US immigration authorities, FIFA
Miami, USA
June 8, 2026
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COMPAMIR Editorial Team
The COMPAMIR editorial team brings together public reporting and links to the original coverage. We update the page as new information emerges.
Read our editorial policy- Earlier version 16/14/2026, 7:40:25 PM
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US for the World Cup due to alleged associations with terror groups. Artan was interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being sent back. FIFA has committed to paying his full tournament salary despite his absence.
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