Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.

When he finally landed at about 8:30 a.m. local time, the crowd surged forward, draping him in the national flag and escorting him through the airport amid cheers.

Artan had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after earning a place on FIFA’s final list for the tournament. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, he was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025, marking a rapid rise in his international career.

His journey to the United States was cut short on Saturday when he was denied entry at Miami International Airport over what U.S. Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” without providing further details.

FIFA subsequently removed him from its list of referees for the tournament.
The decision came despite Artan having been issued a visa last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the travel documents. He had been expected to join other selected referees at a training base in Miami ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Back home, his arrival transformed into a public show of support and national pride. After being escorted by police to the VIP terminal, Artan was welcomed by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somalia Football Federation and other dignitaries before addressing the media.

“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” he said. “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 also struck an optimistic tone despite the setback, telling supporters: “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.”

The incident has drawn international attention, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding his denial of entry. Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.

The controversy also sparked wider reactions in the football world. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Artan’s achievement, saying his World Cup selection “stands no matter what” and that being kept off the pitch did not erase the milestone he had already reached.