Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over the decision by U.S. authorities to deny international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry into the country to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Somali government said it had made diplomatic efforts with both Washington and FIFA in an attempt to resolve the issue, but without success.

Artan, the first Somali referee ever nominated for a FIFA World Cup, was ultimately removed from the final officiating list after being denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa and all required documentation, according to Somali officials.