FIFA to pay Somali referee denied entry to US for World Cup

FIFA has decided to pay the full tournament salary to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, despite his inability to participate in the 2026 World Cup matches. Artan was prevented from entering the United States, the host country for the tournament, after being detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport.

Officials questioned the 34-year-old referee, who was poised to become the first from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup, on suspicion of terrorism links. This incident led to his entry being denied. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the situation at the start of the tournament, describing the events as an "unfortunate" occurrence in response to criticism and questions.

Artan, recognized as the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) referee of the year in 2025, has been reassigned to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. While FIFA typically pays referees after the tournament concludes, with potential earnings reaching up to $100,000 including performance-based bonuses, Artan will receive his compensation despite his absence from the World Cup.

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unfortunate