Omar Artan, a Somali referee and the only official from Somalia selected for FIFA World Cup duties, was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa. The incident occurred on June 6, 2023, at Miami International Airport, where Artan underwent secondary inspection by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following this additional screening, the CBP determined that he was inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in World Cup preparations or officiate matches unless his immigration status changes. The organization emphasized that it does not influence immigration decisions made by host countries, which ultimately determine visa eligibility. Artan's appointment as a World Cup referee marked a significant milestone for Somali football and African representation in officiating at the global level. His recognition as Africa's Best Referee for 2025 further underscores his importance in the sport, and his absence is anticipated to affect the overall quality of refereeing during the tournament.