Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will still receive the full compensation allocated to World Cup match officials despite being unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after US authorities denied him entry into the country.
According to a BBC report, FIFA has decided to honour the payment package due to Artan, even though the 34-year-old referee was prevented from officiating at the tournament. The decision comes after a controversial immigration episode that ended his hopes of becoming one of the few Somali officials to feature at football’s biggest event.
Artan had travelled to Miami to attend FIFA’s pre-World Cup referees’ camp ahead of the tournament. However, instead of joining fellow officials, he spent nearly 11 hours being questioned by immigration authorities before being informed that he would not be allowed to enter the United States.
Entry denied despite valid documents
According to The Indian Express, the Somali official was travelling with a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa issued specifically for World Cup-related duties. Despite possessing the required documents, Artan was denied entry and later placed on a return flight.
A US government official reportedly cited alleged links to individuals suspected of involvement with terrorist organisations as the reason behind the decision. Artan strongly rejected the allegations and said he did not know the extremist group Al Shabab, which was mentioned during questioning.
Speaking after the incident, Artan expressed disappointment over the outcome.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa. I’m simply a referee trying to achieve the biggest dream of my career by working at the World Cup,” he said.
Also Read | Scotland end 36-year World Cup drought with historic 1-0 victory over Haiti
FIFA stands by its official
Following the incident, FIFA representatives assisted Artan during his transit in Istanbul before he returned to Mogadishu. The governing body has now opted to provide him with the same financial package that World Cup referees receive, despite his absence from the competition.
The decision is seen as a gesture of support towards an official who had completed all FIFA requirements before travelling.
Also Read | Refugee-turned-star Irankunda leads Australia past Turkey on World Cup stage
Career continues despite setback
Artan’s career remains on an upward trajectory despite the World Cup disappointment. UEFA has appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12, a move widely interpreted as recognition of both his abilities and the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the World Cup.
The Somali referee has emerged as one of Africa’s most respected officials in recent years. In 2025, he became the first Somali referee to oversee a CAF Champions League final and later received CAF’s Men’s Referee of the Year award.
Artan has vowed to continue pursuing his dream of officiating at the FIFA World Cup and has set his sights firmly on the 2030 edition.
