Somali referee denied U.S. entry on security concerns appointed to UEFA Super Cup
Omar Artan was turned away from the United States despite holding a diplomatic passport and single-entry visa. UEFA appointed him to referee the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August in Salzburg.
BBC NewsSomali referee Omar Artan was appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg. UEFA made the appointment after discussions with the Confederation of African Football. Artan, named 2025 CAF men's referee of the year, became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and was set to become the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals.
U.S. border officials in Miami turned him away despite his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa. S. government official said the denial stemmed from an alleged association with suspected members of terror organisations.
Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump. After the denial, FIFA stated that Artan would miss the tournament. Artan told the New York Times he was questioned about links to Somali militant group Al Shabab and replied that he knew nothing about the group.
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," Artan said. He also thanked CAF president Patrice Motsepe for supporting the initiative. Artan will be the first non-European official to referee the UEFA Super Cup.
UEFA said it has been in contact with the Austrian Football Association and is confident Artan will have no problem getting through security at Salzburg airport.
