Visa denial won’t cost referee his World Cup fee, FIFA says

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the Somali referee denied entry into the United States ahead of the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee despite not officiating at the global showpiece.

The decision comes after the United States, under the Trump administration, blocked his entry citing alleged links to “suspected members of terror organizations,” according to official statements.

Reuters reports that Artan, who was set to make history as the first Somali referee at a World Cup tournament, was instead turned back by US Customs and Border Protection.

Despite the setback, football’s world governing body FIFA has reportedly committed to paying him his full salary for the tournament, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Artan, who was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, had been widely regarded as one of the continent’s rising officiating talents.

His exclusion from the tournament sparked disappointment among supporters, particularly given the symbolic milestone his participation would have represented for Somali football.

However, his career trajectory has remained on an upward path. Following his return home, he was met with a hero’s welcome in Somalia, underscoring his popularity and status within the sport.

In a further development, European football authorities have moved quickly to retain his services.
UEFA has appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup clash in August between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

The appointment is seen as a significant vote of confidence in his abilities, even as questions continue to linger over his blocked entry to the United States.

While the circumstances surrounding his exclusion remain politically sensitive, FIFA’s decision to honour his payment highlights the governing body’s contractual commitment to match officials selected for its flagship tournament.

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