Somali referee Omar Artan visits Nairobi after US visa setback

Artan was speaking during a meet-and-greet tour at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh in Nairobi, where he was officially received by a delegation of leaders, including Football Federation FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale and Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdulillah.

Reflecting on his journey and his relationship with Kenyan football, Artan emphasized that his connection to the country is deeply rooted through collaboration with local officials.

“For me, it's fantastic, especially football in Kenya. I always worked with the Kenyan assistants all of these years, for the last three or four years. And now, I feel like I am at home,” Artan said.

Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men's referee of the year, has since been invited to officiate the Uefa Super Cup between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria on 12 August.

He noted that his difficult journey started from humble beginnings. However, he urged young people and aspiring sports professionals to never let setbacks define their futures.

“This journey has not begun with a good start, because I was so young, I did not have any support that I needed, but still, the most important thing was I did not give up. And neither of you, you cannot give up in any way of life,” he encouraged. “If you find 100 problems not to continue, please find the one solution that you can continue.”

FKF President Hussein Mohamed lauded Artan's resilience, framing the gathering as a powerful stance against prejudice in sports. Mohamed highlighted how a seeming setback has transformed into a global platform for the referee.

“Our being here is a statement against racism and against prejudice,” Mohamed stated. “At times, what you think is a setback might actually be your launchpad. Because today, he has a much better name recognition, he is heard now by followers across the whole world , football is to bring people together.”

Mohamed also emphasized the lesson of resilience that Artan's story offers to the global football community, echoing the sentiment that perseverance is key to overcoming adversity.

“In life, we must never give up, and we want to commend Artan for the resilience, for being steadfast, also for keeping his head up,” the FKF President noted. “Whenever you are down, pick yourself up, soldier on, fight on, never ever give up. And this opportunity is not only for Artan alone, but for all of us to learn from.”

Most notably, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale directly addressed the recent turbulence regarding the referee's travel restrictions. He confidently predicted that Artan will triumphantly overcome this hurdle to officiate at the next FIFA World Cup.

“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. And Africa will be proud, Kenya will be proud, Somalia will be proud.”