A Somali World Cup referee who was barred from entering the United States due to an alleged "association with suspected members of terror organizations" has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.Omar Artan was denied entry into the U.S.days before the tournament kicked off in North America by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after being flagged for "derogatory" information, a Trump administration official told Fox News Digital.Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday over "vetting concerns," CBP said in a statement.
He was reportedly issued a visa to the U.S.last week, according to the Somali Embassy in Kenya that processed it.
He was set to meet with other referees for training at their base in Miami.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe official FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand logo appears on the matchball during the Group B match between Australia and Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney on July 20, 2023.(Joe Prior/Visionhaus)UEFA, though, cited Artan's officiating skills as the reason why he will be on the pitch for the tournament."Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.
"Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative."CAF president Patrice Motsepe added, "Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent, extremely proud.
His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.I am very thank...