Sunday July 5, 2026
Nairobi (HOL) — Somali FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a hero’s welcome in Nairobi on Friday after being denied a U.S. entry visa to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hundreds of people, including government officials, football administrators, diplomats and members of the Somali community, welcomed Artan at BBS Mall in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.
Speaking at the event, Artan thanked Kenyans for supporting him and said assistance from the Football Kenya Federation and Kenya’s football community had played an important role in his journey.
“FKF was helping me without them knowing because they provided me with assistance,” Artan said. “There is assistance from Kenya. Kenyans and Somalis are always like this, and for me they are really part of my journey.”
Artan said he remains focused on the future despite the disappointment and is preparing for his next major assignment, including the upcoming UEFA Super Cup scheduled for August in Austria.
He also urged young people across Africa not to give up when facing setbacks.
“I did not give up. You also cannot give up in any way of life,” he said. “If you find hundreds of problems, find one solution that you can continue.”
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who presided over the reception, described Artan as a symbol of resilience and said his achievements had inspired young people across East Africa.
Duale said Artan’s selection for the World Cup had already secured his place in history as the first Somali referee chosen to officiate at the global tournament, regardless of the circumstances that prevented him from participating.
He urged young people to remain committed to their dreams despite obstacles and highlighted Kenya’s continued investment in sports infrastructure to develop talent.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed praised Artan’s resilience and pledged continued cooperation between Kenyan football and the Somali referee.
“FKF is ready to work with you,” Hussein said. “Thank you for incorporating local referees into your programmes and plans, and I know some of them have been with you on this journey.”
Other leaders who attended the event included Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Abdulle, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and BBS Mall Chairman Abdiweli Maalim.
Artan had been selected among an elite panel of 52 match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Somali referee to receive the prestigious appointment.
His World Cup assignment was cut short after he was denied entry into the United States.
Artan is also expected to be among the match officials considered by the Confederation of African Football for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, giving him another opportunity to officiate at one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments.
