World football governing body FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full salary and match-related bonuses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being unable to officiate at the tournament.
Artan, who became the first referee from Somalia to earn a World Cup appointment, was reportedly denied entry into the United States after arriving at Miami International Airport due to border vetting concerns.
The development brought an abrupt end to what had been a historic milestone for the official, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
Despite his absence from the competition, FIFA said match officials selected for the World Cup are entitled to tournament compensation and confirmed that Artan would receive full payment even though he did not take charge of any matches.
The decision has been viewed as recognition of the referee’s achievement in reaching football’s biggest stage and acknowledgment of circumstances beyond his control.
Although the setback denied him a World Cup debut, Artan’s officiating career remains on track.
In a further boost, Insightlinks reports UEFA has appointed the Somali official to oversee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa scheduled for August.
The appointment is expected to mark another major milestone in Artan’s growing international refereeing career.
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