Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has voiced support for Somali referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States despite being selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup, saying he would be welcomed in Toronto should an opportunity arise for him to participate in matches hosted in Canada.
The controversy emerged after U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national travelling to participate in the FIFA World Cup had been found inadmissible following an inspection process. While officials did not publicly identify the individual, Omar Artan is widely recognized as Somalia’s only referee appointed to the tournament.
The decision has sparked reactions from political leaders across Canada, with many expressing disappointment that a referee who had earned a place on football’s biggest stage would be unable to participate as planned.
In a public statement, Mayor Chow said that denying Artan entry was unfair and emphasized that Toronto values inclusion, opportunity, and diversity. She stated that Artan’s achievements reflect years of dedication and perseverance and indicated that she intends to communicate directly with FIFA regarding the possibility of having him officiate matches in Toronto.
Toronto is one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is scheduled to welcome thousands of fans from around the world during the tournament.
Support for Artan also came from David Eby, who said the Somali referee would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia. Eby suggested that Artan should be considered for matches in Vancouver, Canada’s other World Cup host city.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles echoed those sentiments, noting that Artan had earned his place through merit and deserved the opportunity to officiate at the tournament.
U.S. border officials have not disclosed the specific reasons behind the inadmissibility decision, citing immigration, national security, and law enforcement considerations that are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The agency emphasized that admissibility determinations are made individually based on information available at the time of inspection.
FIFA has indicated that decisions regarding entry into host countries remain the responsibility of national governments and border authorities rather than the tournament organizers.
Despite the setback, Artan has maintained a positive outlook. In a public statement, he said he remains focused on the future and the next stages of his refereeing career, expressing determination to continue pursuing opportunities at the highest levels of international football.
The situation has drawn international attention because Artan’s appointment to the FIFA World Cup represented a significant milestone not only for him personally but also for Somali football. Many supporters view his selection as a symbol of progress and inspiration for aspiring athletes and officials from countries with limited representation on the global sporting stage.
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, discussions continue about whether alternative arrangements could allow Artan to participate in matches hosted in Canada, where political leaders have publicly expressed their willingness to welcome him.