Ian Wright slams World Cup organisers after Somali referee was denied entry to the United States

Ian Wright slams the World Cup organisers after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States.

Artan had been set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, but he arrived at Miami International Airport on a flight from Istanbul on Saturday only to find out he was barred from entering the country.

This came following a “routine” inspection, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement to The Athletic.

Artan, who won the 2025 Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year award, is one of 52 referees handpicked by world governing body FIFA for this summer’s tournament.

Kaveh Solhekol said to Sky Sports News: “FIFA are having to deal with an unfortunate and embarrassing situation as Africa’s top referee has been refused permission to enter the US.

“Omar Artan was set to become the first Somalian to referee at a World Cup, but he was turned back when he landed at Miami International Airport and he’s now back in Istanbul.

“He believed he had a valid visa to work in the US, even though Somalia are on the US’s travel ban list.

“Artan was the Confederation of African Football’s 2025 Referee of the Year, and he’s been a FIFA referee since 2018.

“An advisor to the Somalian sports ministry, Ciise Aden Abshir, has told AFP: ‘Omar is one of Africa’s most respected referees. Denying him entry not only harms him personally, but it also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.’

“Omar Artan was due to be one of the 170 officials working at this World Cup, but he’s currently back in Turkey.”

 

Ilhan Omar’s brother Omar Artan just before his visa got cancel . pic.twitter.com/7lVhbmVY9R

— B.A.D (@BAD91BANG) June 8, 2026

@wrightyofficialWorld Cup of Chaos 😔🌏♬ original sound – Ian Wright

Ian Wright said in his TikTok video: “Every few hours it’s another story. Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied now refs? I’m laughing but it’s not funny. It’s actually not funny, something has to be said.

“Expensive tickets, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, greatest tournament in the world? How are we not hearing more?”

“Is this the spirit of football? Really? You know who I feel for – I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.

“This is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup will have to go through some serious chaos to get it done. I hope we [England can do it, but something has to be said. This is the World Cup!”

FIFA confirm Omar Abdulkadir Artan can’t officiate at the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

The Somali referee is one of Africa’s most respected officials. Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports say Artan travelled with a valid US visa.

Yet Somalia is… pic.twitter.com/EptpNjCpgE

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 8, 2026

FIFA said in a statement: “Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.

“Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

“In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

Artan issued a statement to Reuters: “Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

 

 

Africa’s top referee will not be allowed to officiate at the World Cup after he was refused entry to the USA, FIFA has confirmed 🚨 pic.twitter.com/GUsUyLcMlM

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 9, 2026

Here’s how fans reacted as Ian Wright slams the World Cup organisers after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States…

@MelbourneBlokee: Who thought this would be a good idea to host the World Cup in literally the worst country on this planet. What a complete and utter joke. Tournament hasn’t even started yet, and I already can’t wait for it to be over..

@arsenalluke84: Then the world goes through this again in two years time for the Olympics. USA is not an inclusive welcoming country and should never again host another international event.

@Grovesy3: Bang on the money, the writing was on the wall when Infantino gave Trump a peace prize. I’ve never been so disillusioned or disinterested in a World Cup in my life

@karlfrankham1: Perfectly said. The way the rest of the world are being treated is nothing short of diabolical, it’s an international embarrassment.

Alexia: Ian I’m 54yo and this is the first World Cup I’m not excited for.

lundkorn: This is already the worst world cup, and it hasn’t even started…

Nasar Mohamed: As a Somali, I feel disappointed and saddened by this situation. Omar Artan worked hard to reach the highest level of football officiating, and missing the opportunity to referee at the World Cup is a great loss. It would have been a proud moment for Somalia and for many young Somalis who look up to him as an inspiration.

TALIYE MBM: This is embarrassing for the World Cup tbh💔