World football governing body FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will receive his full tournament payment for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being unable to officiate after the United States denied him entry into the country.
The decision comes after one of the tournament’s biggest off-field controversies, which saw Artan blocked from participating in what would have been a historic career milestone for both the referee and Somali football.
Although he will not officiate a single match at the tournament, FIFA has now agreed to pay him his full compensation package, ensuring he does not suffer financially because of circumstances beyond his control.
Artan had been selected among the elite group of referees chosen to officiate at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Somali referee in history to earn a place at football’s biggest tournament.
The appointment marked a breakthrough moment for Somalia, with many across East Africa celebrating the achievement as a symbol of the country’s growing presence in international football.
However, the dream ended abruptly when Artan arrived in the United States ahead of tournament preparations. U.S. border officials stopped him upon arrival at Miami International Airport, where immigration officers subjected him to an extensive 11-hour interrogation.
Following the questioning, American authorities denied him entry into the country after raising alleged security concerns. The U.S. government linked its decision to claims that Artan had connections to individuals associated with a terror group, accusations that immediately sparked controversy across the football world.
Artan strongly denied the allegations, maintaining he had no involvement in any illegal activity. Despite carrying valid travel documents and official tournament authorization, he had no choice but to leave the country and return home, ending his World Cup dream before it even began.
In response, FIFA has now stepped in with a strong show of support. The organization confirmed that Artan will receive the same standard tournament payment he would have earned had he officiated matches throughout the competition.
While FIFA has not publicly disclosed the exact amount, World Cup referees are typically paid significant compensation packages that include base salaries and tournament-related bonuses.
