Referee Denied Entry Despite FIFA’s Efforts

According to the Boston Herald, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) denied the referee entry after he arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday; the CBP statement did not name the individual, but Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia. FIFA confirmed later Monday that Artan would not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr, as Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” FIFA said in a statement. “In line with previous FIFA events. A host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”.

CBP issued a release explaining that Artan was denied entry due to “vetting concerns” after undergoing additional inspection, a routine part of the CBP process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility. “Following inspection. The traveler. A referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible,” the CBP statement said.

Broader Concerns About U.S. Travel Policies

According to Al Jazeera, the denial of entry to Artan is the latest controversy surrounding U.S. travel policies and the World Cup, which is being cohosted by Mexico and Canada. Somalia is on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list. The president has often disparaged the African country and its people. Late last year, he sparked outrage when he called Somali immigrants in the U.S. “garbage.”

There are also growing concerns about federal agents harassing foreign nationals or targeting undocumented immigrants in or around stadiums. On Monday, Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, rebuked the Trump administration’s plans for a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city during the tournament.

“Soccer would not exist without immigrants. Immigrants play and coach the game, work in the stadiums, fill the stands, and make celebrations like the World Cup possible. Six of the players on the US Men’s National Team are immigrants,” Mamdani wrote in a social media post. “We will not allow ICE or anyone else to sow fear in our communities — especially at this moment.”

Visa Issues for Other Teams and Staff

According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s national team has to stay in Mexico due to visa issues. The players will be allowed to arrive in the U.S. to play their game, but they must then return to their base in Mexico. Still, some of the team’s staff members were denied U.S. visas altogether.

CBP noted that all travelers seeking entry into the U.S., including athletes, coaches and staff — are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. “Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the CBP statement said. “CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law.”