Former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has criticized the United States after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the country despite being selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a Somali official scheduled to take part in World Cup refereeing duties was stopped upon arrival after flying from Istanbul to Miami.
The agency cited “vetting concerns” as the reason for refusing him entry, even though he had been included on the final officiating list released by FIFA.
FIFA later confirmed that Artan, who is Somalia’s only referee selected for the tournament, was prevented from entering the United States at the border.
Clinton reacted to the development on her X account, condemning the decision and describing it in strong terms. She argued that the host nation should not be turning away officials assigned to the tournament.
“As a World Cup host, the U.S. shouldn’t be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs,” Clinton wrote on X (via Mirror) “It’s terribly backward.
“It’s also counterproductive. Global sports competitions should improve international exchange and relations, not the reverse.”
Artan had been scheduled to join other referees in Miami for preparatory training sessions but was instead sent back. Somalia is among countries affected by newly introduced travel restrictions linked to the Trump administration.
However, the Somali embassy in Kenya stated that Artan had been granted a visa prior to his travel.
The Somali referee was subjected to extended questioning at Miami International Airport, reportedly lasting around 11 hours, during which he was asked about his political views and purpose of travel, according to the New York Times.
“I think that they have a problem with my country,” he told the outlet.
He added that he had presented his FIFA accreditation, proof of his refereeing credentials, and his valid visa, but was still denied entry. Somali officials are now engaging with U.S. authorities to seek clarification and resolution.
Despite the setback, Artan maintained a positive outlook, saying he remains focused on his career progression.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” Artan said on Monday in the statement. “I would like to thank FIFA and [the African federation] for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future.”
