FIFA referee Omar Artan/X
Somali FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a hero's welcome in Nairobi on Friday after missing the opportunity to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States following the denial of his entry visa.
The reception, held at BBS Mall in Nairobi's Eastleigh area, brought together government officials, football administrators, diplomats and members of the Somali community to celebrate Artan's achievements despite the setback that prevented him from making history on football's biggest stage.
Artan had been selected among an elite panel of 52 match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Somali referee to earn the prestigious appointment.
However, his World Cup dream was cut short after he was denied entry into the United States.
Addressing the gathering, Artan thanked Kenyans for standing by him, saying the support he received from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenyan football fraternity had been instrumental in his journey.
"FKF was helping me without them knowing because they provided me with assistance. There is assistance from Kenya. Kenyans and Somalis are always like this, and for me they are really part of my journey," he said.
Despite the disappointment, Artan said he remains focused on the future and is preparing for his next major assignment, expressing optimism about officiating the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, scheduled later this August in Austria.
He also encouraged young people across Africa not to abandon their ambitions when faced with setbacks.
"I did not give up. You also cannot give up in any way of life. If you find hundreds of problems, find one solution that you can continue," he said.
FIFA referee Omar Artan/FB
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who presided over the reception, described Artan as a symbol of resilience whose achievements had inspired young people across East Africa.
Duale said Artan's selection for the World Cup had already secured his place in history as the first Somali referee chosen to officiate at the global tournament, regardless of the circumstances that prevented him from participating.
He urged young people to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams despite unexpected obstacles and highlighted the Kenyan government's continued investment in sports infrastructure to nurture talent.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed praised Artan's resilience and pledged continued collaboration between Kenyan football and the Somali referee.
"FKF is ready to work with you. Thank you for incorporating local referees into your programmes and plans, and I know some of them have been with you on this journey," Hussein said.
He indicated that the partnership would continue to expose Kenyan referees to higher standards of officiating through mentorship and exchange programmes.
Other leaders who attended the event included Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Abdulle, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and BBS Mall chairman Abdiweli Maalim.
Artan is also expected to be among the match officials considered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, giving him another opportunity to officiate at one of Africa's biggest football tournaments.
