🌍 International Petition to FIFA: Justice for Somali Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan.

To: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

Cc: Confederation of African Football (CAF),United Nations Human Rights Council, Global Football Community

We, the undersigned, call on FIFA to urgently condemn the unjust treatment of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan and take immediate action to protect the integrity and equality of world football. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee ever selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, arrived in the United States with full FIFA accreditation, a valid visa, and all required documentation.

Despite this, he was detained, denied entry, and deported without transparency, justification, or respect for his professional status.

This incident is a direct violation of the principles of fairness, equality, and non‑discrimination that FIFA claims to uphold.
It is a humiliation not only to Omar Artan, but to Somalia, Africa, and the global football community.

🟥 Why This Matters

Football is built on merit.
Omar Artan earned his place through excellence, professionalism, and years of dedication.
He was selected by FIFA because he is one of the best referees in Africa and one of the best in the world. To deny him entry without cause is to deny Somalia its moment of pride, to deny Africa its representation, and to deny football its integrity. A referee chosen by FIFA should never be treated like a security threat.

A referee on official duty should never be deported without explanation.
A referee representing his nation should never be disrespected on the world stage. This is not just an immigration issue.
This is a football injustice.

🟥 Our Demands

1. FIFA must publicly condemn the United States’ rejection of Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Silence is complicity. The world deserves clarity.

2. FIFA must demand the immediate reinstatement of Omar Artan into the 2026 World Cup.He earned his place. He deserves to be there.

3. FIFA must open an independent investigation into the incident.The football world must know why a FIFA‑accredited referee was denied entry.

4. FIFA must ensure that no referee, player, or official ever faces such treatment again.Clear protocols must be established for host nations.

5. FIFA must reconsider the eligibility of the United States to host future international sporting events. A host nation must guarantee respect, safety, and equal treatment for all participants — without exception.

✊ We Stand With Omar Abdulkadir Artan

This petition:

 is not political.

It is not regional.

It is not emotional.

It is a stand for fairness, dignity, and the integrity of football.

Omar Artan represents hope for Somalia.
He represents progress for Africa.
He represents the spirit of the World Cup; where every nation, big or small, has a place.

We refuse to accept a World Cup where a referee is denied his rightful place because of discrimination, mismanagement, or political decisions beyond his control.

🖊️ Sign this petition to demand justice for Omar Abdulkadir Artan and to protect the future of world.