Omar Artan thanks FIFA and CAF after US refusal ends World Cup role | OneFootball

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been refused entry to the United States despite holding a visa, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA confirmed on Monday night that he would not take part, adding it does not intervene in host-nation immigration and that entry decisions rest with the host government.

Artan remains positive and is focusing on the next challenges in his refereeing career. He thanked FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for their support.

He also thanked the wider football community for its messages and wished his colleagues success during the World Cup.

The 2025 African Referee of the Year looks forward to seeing his peers at future competitions.

Source: L'Équipe