7 resultsfor “US visa denial for World Cup referee”
us journalists - the denial of entry visas to regularly accredited colleagues". And on Monday, Fifa said that Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somalian to referee at the World Cup
visa-related complications and entry denials for athletes and officials participating in the FIFA World Cup. The censure of US President Donald Trump’s administration grew after top Somali football referee
referees, was set to become the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match. The denial of entry is the latest controversy surrounding US travel policies and [the World Cup](/sports/2026/6/8/how-extreme-weather-and-heat-could-affect-players-at-world-cup-2026), which is being cohosted
US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament. "I am very, very disappointed," [Artan told the New York Times, external](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/world/africa/somali-referee-world-cup-us-entry-omar-artan.html). "I'm just simply a referee
US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament. "Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after
referee to officiate at a World Cup, and one of seven from Africa. But Artan was turned back at Miami International Airport and flown to Istanbul, despite travelling on a valid visa and the State
denials FIFA president Gianni Infantino has fended off concerns over ongoing visa issues for players and officials entering the United States for the World Cup, saying the global football body’s executives are not “kings