Referee Omar Artan will receive full fee from FIFA despite being denied entry to the US
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup due to vetting concerns, will still receive his full tournament fee despite not officiating any matches.
- Artan, named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was initially issued a visa but was stopped at Miami International Airport and deemed inadmissible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- FIFA clarified it had no role in immigration decisions, which are solely determined by the host government, resulting in Artan’s inability to participate in training or officiate at the event.
- Upon returning to Somalia, Artan received a hero’s welcome and expressed his intention to attend the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted mainly in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
- UEFA praised Artan’s officiating skills and appointed him to referee the UEFA Super Cup in August, highlighting football’s role in connecting people.
