Somali Referee Omar Artan to Receive Full World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full tournament fee from FIFA, despite being denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup. Artan was interrogated by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport and subsequently denied entry due to an alleged "association with suspected members of terror organisations," a claim Artan denies. FIFA confirmed its commitment to pay Artan's salary, and he has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.
Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full tournament fee from FIFA, even though he was denied entry into the United States to officiate at the World Cup.
Artan, a FIFA referee since 2018, was interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport. His diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected, leading to his denial of entry. A US government official stated that Artan was not permitted to enter the country due to an alleged "association with suspected members of terror organisations."
Artan reported being questioned by border officials regarding links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab, stating that he knew nothing about the organization. He maintained that he had the correct papers and visa, expressing his desire to fulfill his dream of officiating at the World Cup.
After being placed on a flight back to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before traveling to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Sources indicate that FIFA has committed to paying Artan's full salary, despite his non-participation in the tournament. Referees typically receive their fees after the World Cup concludes.
Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year, has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12. The 34-year-old has also expressed his determination to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
His past achievements include becoming the first Somali to take charge of a continental final in 2025, officiating the second leg of Pyramids FC's African Champions League final victory. He was also appointed to the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he officiated three matches, and refereed two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations in both 2024 and 2025. According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, Artan was welcomed in his homeland and thanked "my people and my country."
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