What Happened
ByElizabeth BotcherbyBBC Sport journalistPublished28 minutes agoReferee officiate at the 2030 arriving home in Somalia following entering the United States.
The 34-year-old - Africa's referee 2025 - Somali to referee at a World Cup finals but was denied International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single .
No reason for his repatriation immigration authorities, but Somalia several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump.
He arrived back in Somalia on Wednesday, landing International Airport in Mogadishu greeted by government officials and representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees and local residents.
Why It Matters
Artan is expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium later on Wednesday afternoon and watch a match between Heegan and Dekadaha.
"I'd officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I' support outside [the airport]," Artan said, translated into English .
"Everything is pre-destined. Fifa supported I reached Mogadishu.
"I promise you that I'll be officiating . Somalia, everywhere, I'm letting you know."
What Comes Next
Published20 hours agoArtan, Confederation of African Football (Caf) men's referee 2025, 52 referees selected for the tournament.
However, his "dream" came crashing attempted to travel -pitch officials' base in Florida, with Artan telling , external 11-hour immigration interview and was detained for several hours before a flight back to Istanbul, Turkey.
Speaking Service, Andrew Giuliani, , said: "While I can't [derogatory information] on that I decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."
possible outside the United States and referee matches played in Canada or Mexico, -pitch officials based in Florida for training, preparation, and security.
Trump placed a category for 12 countries, including Somalia, in June 2025.
Two days before December 2025, Trump drew widespread attention for comments made about Somalia a planned immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, which has a large Somali community.
"With Somalia, which is barely a country, you know, anything," he said.
Explore more: Global Mobility Guide