Artan, a FIFA referee since 2018 was interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday before being told he would not be allowed into the country. His diplomatic passport and single entry US visa were rejected.
A US government official said Artan had not been allowed to enter because of an alleged association with suspected members of terror organisations. Border officials questioned him over links to Somali militant group Al Shabab, and Artan said he told them he knew nothing about the organisation.
I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa. I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.
After being put back on a plane to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital Mogadishu. FIFA has committed to paying his salary despite his exclusion from the tournament. Referees do not know the actual fee they will receive for officiating at the World Cup, which is paid after the tournament is over.
Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria on 12 August. The 34-year-old has vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
