The Somali referee, who was refused entry to the United States on Saturday, was welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu airport.
Hundreds of supporters and government officials gathered a few hours before his arrival.
Omar Artan appears unaffected by the US administration's decision. The 2025 African Referee of the Year is aiming for the next World Cup.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my country, the Somali people, and our government for their unwavering support. What they have expressed represents only a small part of the efforts they have made behind the scenes. FIFA has also been incredibly supportive, accompanying me and following my journey to this point. I promise you, God willing, that I will be present at the next edition. I want the Somali public to find comfort in these words and remain hopeful. It is up to all of us to defend Somalia’s name. Somalia belongs to us, whether we are in a difficult or challenging situation,” said the Somali international referee.
Washington cites "background check reasons" to justify the refusal, even though Omar Artan had been granted a visa to travel to the United States.
"We are here to welcome our hero, Omar Artan. As you have seen, Somalia, Africa, and the Arab world are proud of him. It is truly wonderful to see that young Somalis can excel and succeed on the international stage, and Omar is one of them," says Mohamed Antobo, a young Somali activist.
Somalia is among some 40 countries subject to new travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration regarding immigration.
