By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), June 10, GNA – Sports pundits and football enthusiasts in Ho have criticised FIFA over the reported treatment of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was allegedly denied entry into the United States ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup despite holding a valid visa.
The football followers described the incident as embarrassing and unfortunate, arguing that FIFA could have taken steps to prevent the situation involving the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referee of the Year.
Artan, who was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament, was reportedly turned away by U.S. immigration officials upon arrival at Miami International Airport and subsequently returned to Istanbul, Türkiye.
Mr Bright Kwadzoviga Misroame, a popular sports host with Kekeli Radio in Ho, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that FIFA should have anticipated possible travel challenges given existing U.S. immigration restrictions affecting certain countries.
“In my view, FIFA could have avoided this situation. Knowing that Somalia is on the U.S. travel ban list, arrangements could have been made for him to enter through Canada or Mexico, which are also hosting matches. This has brought unnecessary embarrassment to a highly respected referee,” he said.
Mr Gideon Alorbu, popularly known as “Don Jay,” a renowned sports pundit, said the incident had negatively affected the referee’s reputation and reflected poorly on African football.
“FIFA should have known better and taken proactive measures. The development has had a significant impact on Omar Artan’s image and has disappointed many football followers across the continent,” he stated.
Mr Constant Jeremy Tornu, also known as “Tsikkago,” described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected match officials and said denying him entry undermined football’s principles of fairness and meritocracy.
“Artan has earned his place through hard work and excellence. Preventing him from participating not only affects him personally but also sends the wrong message about football’s commitment to fairness, merit and equal opportunity,” he said.
Artan has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018 and was among the 170 match officials selected for the tournament.
Sports analysts and football fans in Ho said they expected FIFA to urgently engage the relevant authorities and address the matter, particularly with less than 48 hours remaining before the commencement of the competition.
They expressed hope that a solution would be found to enable the experienced referee to participate in the tournament and avoid what many have described as an unfortunate setback for African football.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade