FIFA will reportedly pay Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan his full tournament fee despite his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup….reports Africa Daily News Desk
FIFA will reportedly pay Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan his full tournament remuneration for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his inability to officiate at the competition after being denied entry into the United States.
According to a BBC report, world football’s governing body has decided that Artan will receive the full fee allocated to World Cup match officials, ensuring that he does not suffer any financial loss after being ruled out of the tournament.
The 34 year old had been selected as one of 52 referees appointed by FIFA for the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Artan was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament. However, his participation was cut short after he was denied entry by US immigration authorities upon arriving at Miami International Airport.
Reports said Artan held a valid visa but was refused admission to the country. He was subsequently returned to Istanbul before travelling back to Somalia.
FIFA later confirmed that the Somali official would not be able to take part in the tournament.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the organisation said in a statement.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
According to Cisse Aden Abshir, an adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Artan was stopped by immigration officials shortly after arriving in Miami and was subsequently prevented from entering the country.
Artan has built a strong reputation in African football since becoming a FIFA listed referee in 2018. He has officiated in several major continental tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, and was widely regarded as one of Somalia’s leading match officials.
While Artan’s hopes of making World Cup history have been put on hold, FIFA’s decision to honour his full tournament payment is expected to provide some consolation after the disappointment of missing football’s biggest stage.
