Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry into the United States and will miss his World Cup debut.

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official at a World Cup match, was denied entry after arriving in Miami from Istanbul.

FIFA confirmed that he will not be able to train or officiate at the tournament, saying the decision was made by US immigration authorities and is outside FIFA’s control.

US Customs and Border Protection cited vetting concerns.

Artan reportedly held a valid US visa.