FIFA has decided to pay Somali referee Omar Artan his complete World Cup tournament remuneration after he was barred from entering the United States, where he was scheduled to officiate. The 34-year-old official was reportedly denied entry following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport.

FIFA confirms full payment despite absence

According to BBC Sport, FIFA has pledged to provide Artan with his full officiating fee for the World Cup, even though he was unable to participate. Typically, referees receive their compensation after the tournament concludes, but football’s global governing body has made an exception to ensure that the Somali referee does not face financial loss due to the travel issues that prematurely ended his World Cup journey.

Artan had travelled to Florida with immense enthusiasm to represent Somalia on football’s grandest stage. However, his hopes were dashed when U.S. authorities refused to recognise his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa, leading to his immediate deportation. During his return journey, FIFA officials reportedly assisted him during a stopover in Istanbul before he made his way back to Mogadishu.

Interrogation and allegations of terror links

The circumstances surrounding Artan’s exclusion have drawn widespread attention within the football world. U.S. officials alleged that his entry was denied due to a supposed “association with suspected members of terror organisations.” During his 11-hour questioning, border officers are said to have pressed him about alleged ties to the militant group Al Shabab.

Artan has firmly refuted these claims and voiced his distress over the incident. “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” he said. “I am just a referee trying to live my dream – the biggest dream of my life – to come to the World Cup.”

Emerging star among African referees

Despite the setback in North America, Artan continues to be regarded as one of Africa’s finest referees. He had an outstanding 2025 season, earning the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year award. His impressive portfolio includes officiating the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Artan’s international experience is extensive. He has officiated matches at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, including the third-place play-off, and has played a key role in the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in both 2024 and 2025. These assignments have cemented his reputation as a referee capable of handling high-pressure fixtures at the continental and global levels.

Next stop: UEFA Super Cup

Although the World Cup opportunity slipped away, Artan’s career is far from derailed. He has been selected to officiate the UEFA Super Cup fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12. This prestigious assignment underscores his standing within the international refereeing community.

Upon returning home, Artan received a warm welcome and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters. Undeterred by recent events, he has already set his sights on future milestones. “I thanked my people and my country,” he stated, reaffirming his determination to continue striving towards officiating at the 2030 World Cup.