Hero's welcome for Somali referee Omar Artan during Kenya visit
Artan made history by becoming the first Somali referee to be selected among the 52 match officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a milestone widely hailed as a major achievement for Somalia and the African continent.
Celebrated Somali referee Omar Artan received a hero's welcome during his visit to Kenya on Friday, July 3, following his historic appointment as one of the match officials selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan was hosted at BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where hundreds of football enthusiasts, community leaders and members of the Somali diaspora gathered to celebrate his achievements. The event was marked by jubilant scenes as attendees applauded the referee for breaking barriers on the global football stage.
Artan made history by becoming the first Somali referee to be selected among the 52 match officials appointed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a milestone widely hailed as a major achievement for Somalia and the African continent.
His visit came weeks after he was denied entry into the United States, where he had been scheduled to participate in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly cited national security concerns in denying him a visa.
The high-profile event at BBS Mall—widely recognised as the largest shopping complex in East and Central Africa—brought together senior government officials, football administrators and business leaders to honour Artan's remarkable accomplishment.
Addressing the gathering, Artan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception, saying the overwhelming support from Kenyans had made him feel at home.
"For me, it's fantastic, especially football in Kenya. I have always worked with Kenyan assistant referees over the last three or four years, and now I truly feel like I am at home," he said.
Artan making a grand entry at the BBS Mall
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Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale praised Artan's resilience, describing the celebration as both a recognition of his achievements and a reminder that temporary setbacks should never define one's future.
"There was a small turbulence, but I am sure, Inshallah, in the next FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, Omar will be there. Africa will be proud, Kenya will be proud and Somalia will be proud," Duale said.
He urged young people across East Africa to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams despite obstacles, emphasizing the importance of resilience, determination and excellence.
"It is important to continue striving for excellence despite unexpected challenges," he added.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed also hailed Artan's perseverance, saying the referee had transformed what appeared to be a setback into an opportunity to inspire millions around the world.
"At times, what you think is a setback might actually be your launchpad. Today, Omar enjoys even greater global recognition. His story is now known by football fans across the world, and that is what football is about—bringing people together," Mohamed said.
Artan's international profile has continued to rise after being named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men's Referee of the Year. He has since been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
Last month, Artan was honoured by the Kuwait Football Association for his contributions to international football. Following the recognition, he officiated the high-profile Zain Premier League 2025–2026 title decider between Kuwait SC and Al Qadsia SC.
Among those who attended the celebration were Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, BBS Mall proprietor Abdiweli Mohamed Hassan, Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya Jibriil Ibrahim Abdulle, and other dignitaries.
