Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
FIFA will pay Somali referee Omar Artan in full despite him being denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from ESPN. Artan, who was scheduled to officiate at the tournament, was refused entry upon arrival in Miami earlier this month, ending his hopes of becoming the first Somali referee to work at a World Cup and sparking international attention.
The decision means Artan will receive full compensation for his World Cup commitments even though he will not be able to participate in the tournament.
Entry denied upon arrival in Miami
Artan arrived in Miami expecting to begin preparations for the World Cup before being stopped by United States Customs and Border Protection officials.
Authorities determined that the 34 year old referee was inadmissible and denied him entry into the country.
According to a United States official, the decision was based on concerns regarding alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations.
No further details have been publicly released regarding the specific concerns raised during the vetting process.
FIFA to honour financial commitments
Despite Artan’s inability to officiate at the tournament, FIFA has reportedly decided to honour its financial obligations.
The governing body will pay the Somali official as though he had fulfilled his scheduled World Cup duties.
The exact amount Artan will receive remains unclear because referee earnings at the tournament depend partly on the number of matches assigned.
However, reports indicate he will be fully remunerated for his expected participation.
The move is viewed as recognition of the circumstances surrounding his absence and his selection for one of football’s biggest events.
Historic opportunity cut short
Artan was poised to make history as the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
His selection reflected a rapid rise within international football officiating circles.
In 2025, he was named Africa’s Best Male Referee, a significant honour that reinforced his standing among the continent’s elite match officials.
His appointment to the World Cup was widely celebrated in Somalia and across African football.
The denial of entry prevented him from reaching a major milestone in his career.
Immigration restrictions under scrutiny
The case has drawn attention because Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by immigration restrictions introduced under United States President Donald Trump.
The policies have placed additional barriers on citizens from several nations seeking entry into the United States.
Artan’s situation became one of the most high profile examples linked to the World Cup, with football officials and supporters expressing disappointment that a referee selected on merit was unable to participate.
Warm welcome on return to Somalia
Following his return to Mogadishu, Artan received a hero’s welcome.
Thousands of supporters gathered at a stadium in the Somali capital to celebrate his achievements and show support after the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
The reception highlighted the significance of his accomplishments for Somali sport and the pride many citizens felt in seeing one of their own reach the highest levels of football officiating.
Future opportunities remain bright
Although Artan’s World Cup dream has been delayed, his career continues to progress.
He has already been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint Germain and Aston Villa in Austria this August.
The prestigious assignment demonstrates that he remains highly regarded within international football.
Artan has also vowed to pursue another World Cup opportunity and hopes to be part of the tournament in 2030, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
For now, while he will miss football’s biggest stage in 2026, FIFA’s decision to compensate him fully ensures his contribution and selection have been recognised despite circumstances beyond his control.
