FIFA to pay Omar Artan full fee after Somalian referee was barred from entering the US

FIFA has confirmed it will pay Somalian referee Omar Artan his full tournament fee after he was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite not officiating in any match during the tournament.

Artan had been selected by FIFA to referee at the World Cup but was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection following an 11-hour interview at the border. The exact amount he will receive remains unclear, as officials are typically informed of their fees only after the tournament concludes. The Times reported that referees could earn up to £75,000, with those involved in the latter stages eligible for additional bonuses.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan said of the incident. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

A source from the Trump administration told the BBC that border officials had uncovered what they described as “derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations” during the inspection, rendering Artan ineligible for admission under the Immigration and Nationality Act. “President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country — full stop,” the source said.

Artan has not publicly responded to those specific claims. Upon returning to Mogadishu, he received a hero’s welcome and expressed gratitude for the support he received at home and abroad. “Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu,” he said. “I promise you that I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup.”

In a further show of solidarity, UEFA appointed Artan to referee the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August.