Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee, according to multiple reports.
FIFA has reportedly decided to honor Artan’s appointment financially despite his removal from the officiating roster, ensuring he is paid in full even though he will not take part in the tournament.
Artan, 34, had been selected as one of 52 match officials for the expanded 48-team World Cup, set to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His appointment marked a historic milestone, making him the first referee from Somalia chosen to officiate at a World Cup.
His exclusion came after a prolonged immigration incident at Miami International Airport. Upon arrival, Artan was detained and questioned for roughly 11 hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials before being informed he would not be allowed to enter the country.
His diplomatic passport and single-entry U.S. visa were both rejected, according to reports. He was subsequently placed on a flight to Türkiye before receiving assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul and continuing on to Mogadishu.
