Date: June 14, 2026 l By Kimberly White
MIAMI — FIFA has decided to pay Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan his full tournament compensation despite his inability to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.
Artan, who was selected among the officials for football’s biggest tournament, had been expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup match. His appointment had been widely celebrated across Somalia and African football circles as a historic milestone for the country’s sporting development.
However, U.S. authorities blocked his entry despite his possession of a valid visa. The Trump administration said the decision was linked to concerns over alleged connections to individuals suspected of involvement with terrorist organizations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that admissibility decisions are made individually using immigration, law enforcement, and national security assessments.
According to Reuters, a source familiar with the matter confirmed that FIFA will still honor Artan’s full referee fee even though he will not officiate or participate in the six-week tournament. FIFA has maintained that immigration decisions remain under the authority of host nations and are outside the governing body’s control.
The decision to compensate Artan has been viewed by many in football as recognition of his selection, preparation, and professional achievements. The 34-year-old official was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and had earned international recognition through performances in major continental competitions.
Despite the setback, Artan returned to Somalia to a public welcome and expressed hope of remaining active at the highest level of international football. In a further show of support, UEFA later appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa scheduled for August.
The development has added to broader discussions surrounding immigration policies during major international sporting events and the challenges officials, athletes, and participants may face while traveling across borders for global competitions.