Denied Entry To US World Cup, Somalian Ref. Gets Vancouver Invite

British Columbia Premier, David Eby has announced that Somalian referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan who was denied entry to the United States should be allowed to officiate a match in Vancouver. 

Eby took to social media platform X saying Artan “would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he’s overcome,” officially inviting the referee to Canada.

Artan was supposed to be the first Somalian to officiate at a World Cup, but according to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, he was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to "vetting concerns."

Responding to the issue, FIFA said the host government will determine who is allowed entry, hence Artan won't be permitted to practice or officiate at the World Cup. 

Artan was recognised as Africa's top male referee in 2025 and received a U.S. visa this week, according to the Somali Embassy in Kenya that handled the application.

Toronto, another Canadian host city, will host six World Cup matches, while Vancouver will host seven.

In his X post on Tuesday, Eby stated, "Let's have him referee in Vancouver."