The 2026 World Cup has already produced controversy before a ball has been kicked. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico over the next five weeks.
However, one of the officials selected for the competition will not be part of the event after a dramatic dispute involving United States authorities.
Somali referee Omar Artan had earned a place on FIFA’s official list of match officials for the World Cup.
The 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year had established himself as one of Africa’s leading officials after several high-profile performances.
However, Artan’s World Cup dream ended when United States authorities denied him entry into the country.
Reports claim Artan arrived at Miami International Airport before officials detained and questioned him for 11 hours. US Customs and Border Protection later cited “vetting concerns” for the decision.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA Task Force, later claimed the ruling related to alleged associations with suspected terrorist organisations. Artan strongly denied those allegations.
The Somali official reportedly travelled with a diplomatic passport and a valid visa issued shortly before his journey. Despite that, FIFA removed him from the tournament roster.
The governing body stated that it had no authority over immigration decisions made by host nations. However, UEFA have now handed Artan a major opportunity.
Following discussions with the Confederation of African Football, UEFA officially appointed Artan to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup. The match will take place on August 12 in Salzburg.
Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face Europa League winners Aston Villa in the showpiece fixture. UEFA described the appointment as part of its cooperation agreement with CAF.
The two organisations recently signed a memorandum designed to strengthen collaboration across several areas of football, including refereeing.
UEFA also highlighted Artan’s achievements on the international stage. The official has appeared on FIFA’s international list since 2018.
He also took charge of the second leg of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final. His performances earned widespread praise across African football.
The appointment also represents a significant show of support following the controversy surrounding his World Cup exclusion.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
