India, June 9 -- A FIFA World Cup referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP confirmed Monday that a Somali national arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on June 6 was denied admission following additional screening. While the agency did not identify the traveler by name, the Associated Press identified the individual as Omar Artan, Somalia's only FIFA World Cup referee.

FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be permitted to participate in preparations for the tournament and would not officiate World Cup matches unless his immigration status changes.

According to CBP, Artan underwent secondary inspection after ar...