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.
Somalia
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.
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 Omar Artan Barred From Entering US for 2026 World Cup Despite Valid Visa
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States despite holding valid travel documents, forcing him to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup where he was set to make history as his nation’s first finals official.
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.
Historic Appointment: Omar Abdulkadir Artan Becomes First Somali Referee at FIFA World Cup 2026
Omar Abdulkadir Artan makes history as the first Somali match official selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026, inspiring the Horn of Africa region.