MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Aden will miss this FIFA World Cup tournament in the United States after being denied entry into the country, FIFA confirmed on Monday.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Omar underwent additional screening upon arriving in Miami from Istanbul, Turkey.
A CBP spokesperson said the inspection was part of standard procedures used to verify travelers’ information and determine eligibility for entry into the United States. Officials later concluded that the Somali referee was not eligible to enter the country due to security-related concerns, leading to his denial of entry.
U.S. authorities did not provide further details regarding the specific reasons behind the decision. However, Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions and heightened immigration scrutiny introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump, resulting in stricter screening measures for travelers from those nations.
Omar Abdulkadir Aden was named Africa’s Best Male Referee in 2025 and had been selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate matches at this year’s World Cup tournament.
FIFA stated that it has no authority over immigration procedures or visa decisions made by host countries. A spokesperson for the organization noted that the host government holds the final authority regarding visa approvals and permission for individuals to enter the country.
The incident comes amid broader concerns over entry restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Iran, as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration and border security policies.
The development has sparked disappointment among Somali football supporters and sports observers, many of whom viewed Omar’s appointment as a historic achievement for Somali football on the international stage.