Somali referee Omar Artan will reportedly receive his full tournament salary from FIFA despite being prevented from officiating at the World Cup. The 34-year-old was sensationally denied entry to the United States following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials at Miami International Airport.
FIFA commits to full payment despite absence
FIFA has reportedly confirmed that Artan will receive his full tournament fee regardless of his inability to take the pitch. While referees are typically paid their salaries after the conclusion of the World Cup, football’s world governing body has moved to ensure the Somali official is not financially penalised for the travel complications that ended his dream prematurely.
Artan had arrived in Florida with high hopes of representing his nation on the biggest stage in football. However, his journey was cut short when US authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa, leading to his immediate deportation. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, FIFA officials provided assistance to the referee during his transit in Istanbul before he returned home to Mogadishu.
Interrogation and terror allegations surface
The details surrounding Artan’s exclusion have sparked intense discussion within the football community. United States government officials claimed that Artan was barred from entry due to an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.” During an 11-hour ordeal at the airport, border officials questioned him regarding potential links to the militant group Al Shabab.
Artan has vehemently denied any such connections and expressed his heartbreak over the situation. “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan explained. “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.”
Rising star of African officiating
Despite the setback in North America, Artan remains one of the most respected officials in the African game. He enjoyed a stellar 2025, being named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year. His resume includes high-profile assignments such as the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
His international experience is vast, having taken charge of matches at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, including the prestigious third-place play-off. Artan also featured prominently during the Africa Cup of Nations in both 2024 and 2025, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier referee capable of handling high-pressure environments across the continent and beyond.
