Somali referee Omar Artan to get full World Cup fee after US visa denial

Omar Artan was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport after US immigration officials rejected his diplomatic passport and single‑entry visa. Authorities said the denial stemmed from alleged links to the Somali militant group Al‑Shabaab.

Artan maintained that he had no ties to the group, claiming his paperwork was valid and that he was simply a professional referee pursuing his dream of officiating at the World Cup. He was later rerouted to Turkey, where FIFA officials provided assistance before he flew back to Mogadishu.

Although Artan will not be able to officiate any World Cup matches, FIFA has committed to pay him his full tournament salary. Referees’ fees are paid after the event concludes and the amount is not disclosed publicly.

Artan, who earned CAF’s men’s referee of the year award in 2025, has already officiated continental finals, including the CAF Champions League as well as matches at the Africa Cup of Nations. He has expressed a strong desire to be part of the 2030 World Cup, a goal that remains within reach despite the visa setback.