“Do Not Lose Hope in Our Country,” Omar Artan Tells Somali Youth After Return to Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has urged young people not to lose faith in their country after returning to Mogadishu following his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations in the United States.

Addressing supporters who gathered to welcome him home, Artan delivered a message of resilience and optimism despite the disappointment surrounding his failed attempt to enter the United States.

“Somalia belongs to all of us. Whether things are good or bad, I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country.”

Artan was speaking alongside Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi as hundreds of supporters, sports officials, government representatives and members of the public turned out to receive him upon his arrival in the capital. Artan had earlier told the media in Turkey that he was interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities before being denied entry.

The referee had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a milestone that would have made him the first Somali referee to participate in football’s biggest tournament. However, he was denied entry upon arrival in Miami despite reportedly holding valid travel documents.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) later stated that Artan had been found inadmissible following an inspection at Miami International Airport, citing unspecified vetting concerns. The agency has not publicly disclosed further details regarding the decision.

As a result of the entry denial, Artan was unable to take part in the mandatory preparations and training required for World Cup referees in the United States.

Despite the setback, Artan struck a positive tone upon his return, choosing to focus on national unity and hope rather than the controversy surrounding the incident.

His remarks resonated with many Somalis who viewed his selection to the World Cup as a source of national pride and evidence of the country’s growing representation in international sports.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading match officials, Artan was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025. His achievements have made him a prominent figure in Somali sports and an inspiration to many young people aspiring to represent their country on the global stage.