News Focus
- Somali referee Omar Artan blocked from entering the United States for World Cup duties
- FIFA commits to paying Artan’s full tournament fee despite him missing the event
- The 34-year-old will instead officiate the UEFA Super Cup in Austria this August
FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his complete World Cup salary even though United States authorities stopped him from entering the country. The 34-year-old official was travelling to officiate at the global tournament but was refused entry at Miami International Airport.
Border officials questioned Artan for 11 hours on Monday before rejecting his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa. A government spokesperson claimed the decision related to suspected links with terror groups. Officials accused Artan of connections to Al Shabab, a militant organisation based in Somalia.
Artan strongly denied these accusations. He stated that he possessed all correct documents and knew nothing about the militant group. “I am simply a referee living my dream,” he explained. “This was the biggest moment of my career.”
Authorities put Artan on a flight back to Turkey. FIFA representatives in Istanbul helped him arrange travel to Mogadishu, the Somali capital. Sources close to the governing body confirmed that Artan will still get his match official payment, which referees normally receive after the tournament finishes.
The incident marks a difficult moment in an otherwise excellent year for Artan. In 2025, he became the first referee from Somalia to control a continental final. He officiated the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns in June. The Confederation of African Football named him the 2025 Men’s Referee of the Year.
Artan also took charge of three matches at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, including the third-place play-off. He refereed two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of 2025.
Despite the US setback, Artan’s career continues to rise. European football’s governing body has invited him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on 12 August. The match will feature the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions.
Artan has thanked his supporters in Somalia and promised to return to the world stage. He aims to officiate at the 2030 World Cup. “I thank my people and my country,” he said upon arriving home.