Somali referee Omar Artan was greeted with a rousing welcome as he returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following a high-profile incident in which he was denied entry into the United States.
Crowds of supporters, government officials, and football authorities gathered at Aden Adde International Airport to celebrate the return of the 34-year-old, who had recently been named Africa’s Referee of the Year for 2025.
Artan’s homecoming came just two days after he was stopped at Miami International Airport, despite possessing both a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa. US immigration authorities have yet to publicly explain the reasons for his repatriation, a decision that dashed hopes of seeing Artan become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals.
Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions first introduced during former US President Donald Trump’s administration. This backdrop added to the sense of injustice and national pride that marked Artan’s return. The reception at the airport was led by senior government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and members of the public, all eager to show their support.
Visibly moved by the show of solidarity, Artan addressed the crowd, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who had stood by him. “I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs, and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support,” he said, as translated by the BBC. “The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport].”
Artan also revealed that FIFA had been in regular contact with him throughout the ordeal, offering support until he returned safely to Mogadishu. “Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and was in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu,” he shared.
Despite the disappointment, Artan’s resolve remains unshaken. He is set to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium, where he will watch a domestic league match between Heegan and Dekadaha, and has vowed to continue pursuing his international refereeing ambitions. Looking ahead, he boldly declared his intention to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, insisting that his journey at the highest level of football is far from over.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com