Columbus Somalis lament World Cup referee's denied U.S. entry. 'It was disheartening'
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For the roughly 60,000 Somali Americans who call central Ohio home, the Somali national soccer team was among the 163 national teams that did not make to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But one of Somalia's own still found a place on soccer's biggest stage.
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Omar Artan, who was named Africa's top male referee in 2025, was selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee chosen for the tournament. For many Somalis in Columbus and around the world, Artan's appointment was a rare moment of international representation and pride.
That excitement turned to disappointment when Artan was denied entry into the United States on June 6 despite reportedly holding a valid visa.
"It was disheartening," said Jamila Gurhan, a Columbus community advocate and small-business owner. "He worked very hard to get there because not every person makes it to that level in their career."
In a statement to The Athletic, the White House provided this reason for denying Artan access into the country: “Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act." No additional evidence was provided regarding the accusations against Artan.
The news sparked international criticism and drew reactions from Somali leaders in Columbus, home to the nation's second largest Somali American population. FIFA did announce that Artan would be paid for being a World Cup referee despite being denied entry into the United States.
'A role model for millions'
Community leaders said Artan's selection carried significance beyond sports.
"He was a role model for millions of young people who grew up in a difficult time," said Hassan Omar, executive director of the Somali Association of Ohio. "This hurt a lot of people."
Omar said Artan's denial was disappointing but not entirely surprising given the travel restrictions currently affecting Somalia.
"There is no surprise in this, there's no shock," Omar said. "I understand there are rules and regulations set up by the United States."
Still, Omar said the decision was painful for many Somalis who viewed Artan as a symbol of progress and achievement.
Omar said Somalia has long struggled with negative perceptions and that Artan's rise offered a different image of the country on the global stage.
"There's an image of Somali being bad for so long and he was kind of the star to bring us up a little bit with being visible on the international stage," Omar said.
Kawther Musa, director of the Ohio Somali Book Fair, said many community members viewed Artan as a source of pride not only for Somalia but for Africa as a whole.
"He was representing not only Somalia, but also the entire continent, Africa," Musa said.
Because Somalia did not qualify for the World Cup, leaders said Artan's participation would have provided one of the country's few connections to the tournament.
"There is a youth that had hope because if Omar became the referee of the World Cup, maybe more youth would follow him," Musa said.
Local Somalis say representation matters
For many parents, leaders said, Artan's story showed young Somalis what was possible.
"Representation matters a lot," Gurhan said.
Gurhan said she had hoped her two young sons, who recently started playing soccer, would see someone who looked like them officiating on the world stage.
"I wanted my boys to see themselves in Artan and they didn't get the opportunity to do that," she said.
Still, leaders pointed to the massive welcome Artan received upon returning to Somalia as evidence that his influence remains intact.
Musa said thousands gathered to celebrate Artan's return and show support after the visa denial.
"He represented us very well and we appreciated what he has done," Musa said.
Concerns beyond one referee
While leaders focused largely on Artan's accomplishments, several also said the incident comes at a time when many Somalis feel increasingly scrutinized.
Gurhan said some in the community feel they are being unfairly judged based on the actions of a few individuals.
"We feel [like we are] being singled out," Gurhan said. "When somebody, one person does something somewhere in the United States, all of a sudden all of us are criminal."
Khalid Turaani, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) Ohio chapter, said the referee's denial sends a troubling message as the United States prepares to host the World Cup.
"The idea of the World Cup is that it brings nations together," Turaani said.
Despite their frustrations, community leaders said Artan's legacy remains larger than the controversy surrounding his travel.
"He was welcomed," Gurhan said. "His story united us."
Artan, however, will have a moment to shine on a global stage. After he was denied entry to the United States, the European soccer governing body, UEFA, announced that the Somali referee will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match on Aug. 12 between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Somali leaders lament soccer official Omar Artan visa denial