MOGADISHU. A Somali football referee, Abdi Artan, has been denied entry to the United States for a scheduled international match, prompting British officials to call for fair and consistent travel rules. The incident, which occurred at an undisclosed US port of entry, has raised questions about the application of visa policies and the treatment of sports officials from conflict-affected countries.
Artan, a highly regarded referee in African football, was due to officiate a friendly international in Florida later this month. However, US Customs and Border Protection officers refused him entry, citing unspecified security concerns. No formal explanation has been provided, and Artan has since returned to Mogadishu.
British diplomats, who were not directly involved in the incident but are monitoring the case, have expressed concern that the decision appears arbitrary and may damage the reputation of international sporting governance. In a statement, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We believe that travel rules should be applied fairly and consistently. Sports officials should not face unjustified barriers that harm the spirit of international competition.”
The United States has implemented a range of travel restrictions in recent years, particularly targeting nationals from countries with weak governance or terrorist activity. Somalia has been subject to such restrictions. However, Artan had previously travelled to the United States without incident, suggesting a change in policy or a specific intelligence assessment.
Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has also raised the issue with US authorities, though it has declined to comment publicly. The Confederation of African Football has condemned the decision, calling it “a regrettable setback for the equal treatment of officials from the continent.”
The British government, which has substantial diplomatic and aid ties with Somalia, has in recent months advocated for more predictable visa and travel policies for professionals from the Horn of Africa. This case is likely to reinforce that advocacy.
For now, Artan remains in Mogadishu, his travel plans disrupted. The US Embassy in Mogadishu has not responded to requests for comment. British officials continue to seek clarification, but no timeline has been given for a resolution.
