FIFA guarantees Somali referee Omar Artan full 2026 World Cup payment

FIFA will pay Somali referee Omar Artan his full World Cup fee despite being denied entry to the United States.

Refused entry at US airport Somali match official Omar Artan faced an 11-hour interrogation by American border officers at Miami International Airport on Monday, only to be denied permission to enter the country. Authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa, leaving him unable to take part in the World Cup. A government representative stated that Artan was blocked due to alleged connections with individuals suspected of terrorist ties. ## Artan denies terror links During the questioning, border officials pressed Artan about his supposed links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab. He insisted he had no involvement with the organization and had the correct travel documents. '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.' ## FIFA steps in after deportation After being sent back to Turkey and unable to proceed to the United States, Artan received support from FIFA representatives in Istanbul before flying home to Mogadishu. Despite missing the tournament, FIFA confirmed they would still provide his standard compensation. Referees receive their World Cup pay after the competition concludes, so the exact amount remains unknown at this stage. ## New officiating opportunity after return Upon arriving back in Somalia, Artan was greeted by supporters and quickly given another high-profile assignment. He has been selected to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria on August 12. The 34-year-old expressed gratitude to 'my people and my country' during the homecoming celebrations. ## Continued career milestones in 2025 Artan’s 2025 season included a historic achievement as the first Somali referee to handle a continental final. In June, he took charge of the second leg of Pyramids FC’s African Champions League victory over Mamelodi Sundowns. Earlier that year, FIFA named him to the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he oversaw three matches including the third-place playoff. ## More 2025 appointment highlights At the end of 2025, Artan was chosen to referee two group-stage games at the Africa Cup of Nations, having also officiated matches at the same tournament in 2024. These experiences followed his appointment to FIFA’s international list in 2018, marking the beginning of his rapid rise in elite refereeing circles. ## Future ambitions remain strong Despite the setback at the US border, Artan has vowed to return for the 2030 World Cup. His dedication to the sport and consistent selection for major competitions underscore his status as one of Africa’s top match officials. The Somali Football Federation continues to support his career trajectory.