Somalia Supports Referee Omar Artan After World Cup 2026 Exclusion

The Somali government has expressed its unwavering support for referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan following his exclusion from the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Artan was barred from entering the United States, which has raised concerns about the implications for his officiating career.

In a statement, the Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports reaffirmed its commitment to Artan, highlighting his contributions to football in Somalia and the international community. The ministry called for a review of the decision that led to his exclusion, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of sports officials regardless of their nationality.

Omar Artan’s experience and skills have been recognized in various international matches, and his absence from such a significant event as the World Cup has sparked discussions within sports circles. The Somali government is advocating for dialogue with FIFA and other relevant bodies to address this situation.