U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said on Monday that a Somali national scheduled to serve as a referee at the World Cup was found inadmissible following an additional inspection conducted upon arrival from Istanbul. Although the agency did not publicly identify the individual, Artan is the only Somali referee appointed for the competition.

"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in a statement. The agency added that the referee was denied entry because of unspecified "vetting concerns.”

FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in training or officiate during the tournament. In a statement released by the governing body, Artan expressed disappointment but said he remained focused on his career.

"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” Artan said. "I would like to thank FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.”

FIFA stated that it was not involved in immigration decisions and had been informed by authorities that Artan’s status would not be changed. "In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country,” the organization said.

The decision sparked reactions from Somali officials and international political figures. Ali Abdi Ali Hoshow, First Counselor for Political Affairs at Somalia’s Embassy in Egypt, described the development as a significant setback for Somali football.

"It is deeply regrettable that Somali referee Omar Artan, Africa’s award-winning official, was denied entry at Miami Airport despite holding a valid visa,” Hoshow told Lamaane News Network. "He was set to become Somalia’s first referee at a World Cup, a historic milestone now overshadowed by politics.”

British Member of Parliament Jeremy Corbyn also criticized the decision in a public social media post, calling it "an absolute disgrace” and arguing that international sporting events should remain inclusive and free from discrimination.

At Miami International Airport over the weekend, travelers and tournament personnel continued moving through arrival terminals under heightened security and screening procedures. Airport operations appeared normal, though Artan’s exclusion quickly became a topic of discussion among football officials and supporters across Africa and beyond.

Artan’s absence carries particular significance for Somalia and African football. Earlier this year, he was recognized as CAF Referee of the Year, becoming one of the continent’s most respected match officials. His selection for the tournament was viewed as a milestone for Somali sports development and international representation.

The incident also highlights broader questions surrounding host-country immigration authority during global sporting events. U.S. authorities maintain that all travelers, including athletes, coaches and officials, remain subject to individual admissibility reviews under federal law. FIFA, meanwhile, faces renewed scrutiny over its ability to ensure access for accredited participants at major tournaments.

For Somalia’s football community, the immediate consequence is the loss of a historic appearance on one of the sport’s largest stages, despite Artan having secured FIFA appointment and valid travel documentation before his arrival in the United States.