FIFA World Cup 2026: Somalian Referee Omar Artan Gets Full WC Fee Amid US Denial

The Somali referee Omar Artan will still receive his full World Cup tournament fee, even though he was denied entry to the United States and did not officiate any matches at the nearly six-week event. A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press the payment will be set after the tournament ends next month.

Artan, one of soccer’s top officials and Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was stopped after arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul last week. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said he was “inadmissible due to vetting concerns”. He had earlier been issued a visa through the Somalia Embassy in Kenya.

He was due to join other World Cup referees at their training base in Miami, but FIFA said it was not involved in immigration decisions. The governing body said the host government decides who can enter, and Artan would not be able to train or officiate at the World Cup.

Return to Somalia and next appointments

The 34-year-old returned to Somalia earlier this week, where he was given a hero’s welcome. He also said he would attend the next World Cup in 2030, which will be mainly staged in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. UEFA has since appointed him for the UEFA Super Cup in August.

“Football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement. The case has drawn attention because Artan is set to receive the same fee despite missing all World Cup duties.