FIFA to Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Ban
Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his complete World Cup salary despite being denied entry to the United States over alleged security concerns.
Omar Artan
Somali Referee Omar Artan Appointed for UEFA Super Cup Days After World Cup Ban
Somali official Omar Artan will referee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, just one day after losing his place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to US visa restrictions.
Somali Referee Omar Artan Vows to Reach 2030 World Cup After US Deportation
Somali referee Omar Artan has promised to officiate at the 2030 World Cup after being deported from the United States ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Somali World Cup Referee Omar Artan Denied US Entry Over Alleged Terror Links
Somali referee Omar Artan, named Africa’s best official in 2025, was denied entry to the United States due to alleged associations with terror suspects, preventing him from officiating at the World Cup finals.
Infantino Urges Critics to ‘Chill and Relax’ After US Blocks Somali Referee
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino tells football fans to ‘chill and relax’ following the US government’s decision to block Somali referee Omar Artan from officiating at the World Cup, while also addressing concerns over ticket prices and Iran’s participation.
Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied US Entry and Removed From World Cup 2026
Omar Artan was set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals, but US immigration officials blocked his entry at Miami airport. The 2025 CAF Referee of the Year will now miss the tournament entirely.
World Cup Chaos: Top African Referee Deported as US Immigration Crackdown Sparks FIFA Crisis
Top African referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States just days before the 2026 World Cup, sparking fresh concerns about FIFA’s ability to protect tournament officials from strict US immigration policies.
Somali Referee Artan Blocked From World Cup After US Visa Refusal
Somalia’s top referee Omar Artan will miss the 2026 World Cup after US officials denied him entry at Miami airport, preventing him from making history as his nation’s first official at the tournament.
Somali Referee Omar Artan Barred from World Cup After US Entry Denial
Omar Artan will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after US border officers denied him entry at Miami Airport, ending his dream of becoming the first Somali referee at the finals.