British Columbia Premier David Eby has offered support to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after the official was denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Eby said British Columbia would welcome Artan and suggested that the referee should be allowed to officiate matches in Vancouver, one of the Canadian cities selected to host games during the tournament.
The Premier said Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in the province following the challenges he has faced.
The development comes after Artan was stopped from entering the United States despite having a valid visa and being selected by FIFA as part of the refereeing team for the World Cup.
U.S. authorities said he was denied entry because of “vetting concerns”, preventing him from joining preparations for the tournament.
Artan’s case attracted global attention because he was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old official has built a strong reputation in African football and was named the Confederation of African Football’s Best Male Referee in 2025.
He has also handled major matches, including games at the Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Champions League final.
FIFA confirmed that it does not control immigration decisions made by host countries. The world football governing body said immigration matters remain the responsibility of national authorities, meaning it could not overturn the decision made by U.S. officials.
The 2026 World Cup is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Vancouver among the cities preparing to welcome football fans from around the world.
If FIFA and relevant authorities find a way for him to participate, Vancouver could become the stage for a historic moment involving one of Africa’s most respected referees.
