Canadian authorities have signalled their willingness to welcome Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after the United States denied him entry, a development that has sparked fresh controversy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said Artan would be warmly received in Vancouver and should be allowed to officiate matches hosted in Canada.
The gesture came after the award-winning referee, who was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was turned away by U.S. immigration authorities despite holding a valid visa.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the 34-year-old was deemed inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns. FIFA subsequently confirmed that Artan would miss the tournament because all match officials are required to train and operate from a centralized base in the United States.
Artan, named Africa’s Best Male Referee in 2025, had hoped to make history at the expanded tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His exclusion has triggered criticism from football stakeholders and human rights advocates, who argue that immigration restrictions should not prevent qualified officials from participating in global sporting events.
The incident has also renewed concerns over visa and travel challenges facing participants and fans ahead of the World Cup, with observers warning that immigration policies could overshadow the competition itself.
