A Somali FIFA World Cup referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CBP confirmed that a Somali national arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on June 6 was denied admission following additional screening.
While the agency did not identify the traveler by name, the Associated Press identified the individual as Omar Artan, Somalia's only FIFA World Cup referee.
FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be permitted to participate in preparations for the tournament and would not officiate World Cup matches unless his immigration status changes.
CBP stated that Artan underwent secondary inspection after arriving in Miami from Turkey and was found inadmissible due to vetting concerns.
Officials did not specify what those vetting concerns were, citing standard immigration procedures.
FIFA acknowledged the situation and stressed that it has no authority over a host country's immigration determinations.
Artan is one of Somalia's most prominent football officials and the country's only referee selected for FIFA World Cup duties.
His absence is expected to affect the event's refereeing quality, as he is an award-winning referee who is regarded as a key figure in the sport.
