Somali Government Seeks Clarification On Referee Abdulkadir Artan’s Case
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
The government of Somalia has disclosed its resolve to engage with relevant authorities for clarifications , in respect of the refusal to allow FIFA referee, Abdulkadir Artan entrance into US soil by border authorities
The Somalian ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a press release dated 10th of June , 2026, which went viral , said it would pursue the matter just to safe guard the rights of its citizen.
It would be recalled that, Somalian born international referee, Abdulkadir Omar Artan was enlisted amongst the referees designated by FIFA to officiate at the world cup 2026 been staged on the US soil.
US border authorities had denied Artan entrance into the country, despite wielding US visa, sparking off wide out cry from across the global football community.
Reacting, Somali government expressed regrets over the actions of the US authorities by denying Artan the opportunity to discharge his duty at the biggest football fiesta, describing Artan as an accomplished sports figure .
Further disclosing that, Mr Artan has returned back to Somalia safely, adding that however the government will pursue the matter with the intent to safeguard the dignity and rights of its citizens.
The government disclosed that diplomatic efforts made by Somalian authorities at the early stage of the matter had failed to yield favorable results.
Artan was decorated as African referee of the year 2025,
