JUNE 9, 2026
Contact: media@haitianbridge.org,  Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org

SAN DIEGO, CA. — Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting a review of the case involving Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the Somali referee selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup who was recently denied entry to the United States.

“Given Mr. Artan’s role as a FIFA-appointed World Cup official, HBA believes the matter warrants careful review to determine whether any lawful pathway exists for his participation should any outstanding concerns be resolved.” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “Our request is simply that the matter receive appropriate review consistent with U.S. law and established procedures to expedite his visa so he can join his teammates to represent their country.”

Mr. Artan is among a small group of elite officials chosen by FIFA following an extensive and highly competitive international selection process. His appointment reflects years of distinguished service, professional excellence, and unquestioned credibility within the global soccer community. As the 2025 Confederation of African Football Referee of the Year, he represents not only the highest standards of officiating, but also the aspirations of millions across Africa who view participation in global institutions and events as a pathway to greater international understanding and cooperation.

ABOUT HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE

Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), also known as “The Bridge”, is a grassroots community organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies, foreign policy, and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black migrants, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses. HBA also seeks to elevate the issues unique to Black migrants and builds solidarity and collective movement toward policy change. Anpil men chay pa lou (“Many hands make the load light”). Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @haitianbridge