The White House is defending its decision to deny entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, claiming the FIFA World Cup official was communicating with "some very bad people" shortly before traveling to the United States.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, told CBS News that U.S. authorities had intelligence information that justified blocking Artan from entering the country even though the referee held a valid U.S. visa and had been selected by FIFA to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"In the case of the referee there, he was talking to some very bad people right as he was coming to the United States," Giuliani said. He added that some of the information remains classified and could not be publicly disclosed. The comments mark the first time a senior administration official has publicly elaborated on the reasons behind Artan's removal from the tournament.
The administration has not yet released evidence to support the allegations. Artan, 34, was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. He arrived at Miami International Airport on June 6 but was detained for hours before being declared inadmissible and deported.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially cited unspecified "vetting concerns" as the reason for the decision. According to CBS News, a U.S. administration official said authorities discovered "derogatory information" during Artan's screening process, including alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organizations.
No public documentation supporting those claims has been released. Artan has denied any wrongdoing. After returning to Somalia, he said he had completed all required paperwork and had obtained his visa through normal channels. The referee suggested the decision may have been influenced by his nationality, as Somalia is among the countries affected by restrictions under President Donald Trump's expanded travel policies.
The incident quickly became one of the most politically charged controversies of the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA has largely stayed out of the dispute, noting that immigration decisions are the responsibility of host governments.
The organization confirmed that Artan would no longer participate in the tournament after U.S. authorities denied him entry. The case has also raised questions about FIFA's vetting procedures. Artan was one of only 52 referees selected for the tournament after a three-year evaluation process.
Shortly after being denied entry to the United States, he was appointed by UEFA to officiate the European Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, a move viewed by many as a vote of confidence in his professional credentials.
Back in Somalia, Artan received a hero's welcome upon his return to Mogadishu. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport, while Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised the referee for representing the country on the international stage. Artan told supporters he remained optimistic about officiating at a future World Cup.
The controversy comes as the Trump administration faces scrutiny over how immigration and security policies are affecting the World Cup. Giuliani acknowledged that some players and team officials have been subjected to additional screening upon arrival in the United States, although he said all players have ultimately been allowed to enter the country. He also confirmed that certain Iranian officials were denied entry because of alleged links to the Iranian regime.
