The ministry said it was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding Artan’s inability to take up his FIFA assignment. According to the ministry, Somali authorities learned that Artan had encountered difficulties related to admission into the United States, prompting a coordinated response involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Government officials said extensive diplomatic engagement and discussions were held with U.S. authorities and FIFA in an effort to resolve the matter. The ministry stated that those efforts did not result in a reversal of the decision, preventing Artan from participating in the tournament.

Information provided to Somali authorities indicated that Artan was denied entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport and subsequently returned to Istanbul following immigration screening procedures. U.S. authorities have not publicly detailed the specific concerns that led to the decision.

Artan’s absence carries particular significance for Somali football. The referee was voted Africa’s Best Referee in 2025 and was expected to become the first Somali official to referee at the men’s FIFA World Cup finals. FIFA has stated that immigration and border-control decisions remain the responsibility of host governments and are outside the organization’s direct authority.

In its statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports described Artan as an example of the talent, resilience and determination demonstrated by Somali youth. The ministry said his international achievements had elevated Somalia’s profile in global football and reflected the growing presence of Somali professionals in international sporting institutions.

A senior official familiar with the government’s efforts told Lamaane News Network that Somali authorities had exhausted available diplomatic channels in support of Artan’s participation and would continue backing his professional career and future international assignments.

The development has drawn reactions from Somalia’s football community, with sports administrators, former players and supporters expressing disappointment over the loss of a historic opportunity. Discussions among football fans in Mogadishu on Tuesday focused on the significance of Artan’s achievement and the setback represented by his absence from the tournament.

The case has also attracted attention because of previous assurances regarding access for World Cup participants. In 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that participants and visitors would be welcomed by the tournament’s host countries.

For Somalia, the episode underscores the challenges that international mobility and immigration policies can present for athletes and sports officials, even as Artan’s achievements continue to be viewed as a milestone for Somali football on the global stage.