Photo Credit: Getty Images
Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States after a US official alleged he had links to suspected members of terror organisations.
The 34-year-old, who was named Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was expected to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals.
He was stopped at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
Somalia is among 12 countries included in a travel ban list introduced under President Donald Trump.
Artan later returned to Somalia on Wednesday.
A Trump administration source said CBP found derogatory information including alleged associations with suspected terror group members, making him inadmissible under US immigration law.
The source added he was refused entry and given expedited removal documents under immigration law and that the administration would not allow security threats into the country.
Artan told media he was questioned over alleged links to Somali militant group Al-Shabaab and denied knowledge of the group.
Upon arrival in Mogadishu he was received by officials, federation representatives, referees and residents and later met the president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
He is expected to attend a public event and watch a local match in Mogadishu later the same day.
He gave a brief statement thanking officials and supporters and said he remained determined to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
He added FIFA had supported him and said he plans to continue his refereeing journey.
He was one of 52 referees selected for the World Cup but had his travel disrupted during preparation in Florida after an extended immigration interview and detention.
He was later flown to Istanbul after being held for several hours.
A US official, Andrew Giuliani, said border authorities made the correct decision but did not detail the evidence.
Somalia is among 12 countries affected by a travel ban introduced in 2025 and all referees are required to be based in Florida for World Cup preparation.
Trump had previously made controversial remarks about Somalia and immigration criticising the country and its diaspora in the United States.
Artan urged young people in Somalia to remain hopeful, defend their national identity and continue pursuing their ambitions despite the setback.
He said he remains committed to representing Somalia internationally and hopes to return to top-level refereeing soon again at the highest level
