Omar Artan’s dream of becoming the first-ever Somalian referee in the FIFA World Cup was dashed after he was deported by the US authorities. Despite having a valid visa and diplomatic passport, Artan was questioned for over 11 hours before being deported. He has become a national hero in Somalia and received a grand reception upon his return to the country. Artan has landed a huge assignment upon his return and he is set to officiate in the UEFA Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa. The fixture will be held on August 12.
“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. 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,” UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, said in a statement. The star-studded fixture will feature many heavyweights.
Addressing Arton’s deportation, FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the situation as unfortunate, adding that the apex body has no control over it.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. Again, we don’t control everything. We try, we will discuss, we will speak, we will see. Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything. Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution,” he said.
Omar Artan wants to fulfill his dream
Omar Artan still dreams of officiating in the World Cup and he hopes to be part of the 2030 event. “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident. It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name. Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across three different countries from June 11 to July 19. Mexico will host South Africa in the tournament opener.
