Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full FIFA World Cup remuneration despite being denied entry into the United States and missing the tournament, according to reports.
FIFA has reportedly committed to paying Somali referee Omar Artan his full tournament fee after he was unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his denial of entry into the United States.
According to BBC Sport, the 34-year-old referee was stopped by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday and questioned for approximately 11 hours before being informed that he would not be permitted to enter the country.
The decision brought an abrupt end to what would have been a historic World Cup appearance for one of Africa’s most highly regarded officials.
Artan Denied Entry to the United States
A US government official reportedly stated that Artan’s entry was denied because of an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
The Somali referee, however, rejected any such allegations and insisted that he had travelled with all the necessary documentation.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan said.
“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”
Following the decision, Artan was placed on a return flight to Turkey before receiving assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul and eventually travelling back to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
FIFA Commits to Paying Full World Cup Fee
Despite being unable to officiate at the tournament, sources told BBC Sport that FIFA has agreed to pay Artan the full amount he would have earned for his World Cup duties.
Referees are typically informed of their final remuneration after the tournament concludes, with payments based on FIFA’s officiating structure.
The decision has been viewed by many as a gesture of support towards the Somali official following the disappointment of missing football’s biggest tournament.
A Remarkable Rise for Somali Football
Artan has become one of Africa’s most respected referees in recent years.
In 2025, he was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year, becoming a symbol of progress for Somali football on the international stage.
He also made history by becoming the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final.
In June 2025, Artan took charge of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
His growing reputation also earned him appointments at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he officiated three matches, including the third-place play-off.
The experienced referee also handled matches at successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2024 and 2025.
UEFA Super Cup Appointment
Despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup, Artan has already been handed another high-profile assignment.
The Somali official has been invited to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
The appointment underlines the confidence that football authorities continue to have in his abilities despite the setback.
Looking Ahead to 2030
After receiving a hero’s welcome upon returning to Somalia, Artan thanked his supporters and vowed to continue pursuing his dream of officiating at the highest level.
The 34-year-old has already set his sights on the 2030 FIFA World Cup and remains determined to return to football’s biggest stage.
Analysis
Omar Artan’s story is one of resilience and perseverance.
Although his World Cup dream was unexpectedly interrupted, FIFA’s decision to honour his full tournament payment and UEFA’s decision to appoint him for the Super Cup demonstrate the high regard in which he is held within international football.
For Somali football, Artan remains a trailblazer whose achievements continue to inspire a new generation of referees and football officials across Africa.
