Somali referee Omar Artan will still receive his full World Cup payment despite being denied entry to the United States.
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Monday to officiate at the World Cup. However, US immigration officials questioned him for 11 hours before refusing him entry. Authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single entry US visa.
A US government official said the decision was linked to an alleged association with suspected members of terrorist groups.
Artan said border officials asked him about the Somali militant group Al Shabab. He said he told them he had no knowledge of the group.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan said.
“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”
After being denied entry, Artan was sent back to Turkey. FIFA officials assisted him in Istanbul before he travelled home to Mogadishu.
According to reports, FIFA has decided to pay Artan his full tournament fee even though he will not work at the World Cup.
Referees usually learn the exact amount of their World Cup payment only after the tournament ends.
Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year in 2025, has already received another major appointment. He will officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
The 34 year old received a warm welcome when he returned to Somalia. He thanked his country and supporters and said he hopes to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
Artan enjoyed a remarkable 2025. He became the first Somali referee to take charge of a continental final.
In June last year, he officiated the second leg of Pyramids FC’s African Champions League final win over Mamelodi Sundowns.
FIFA also selected him for the Under 20 World Cup in Chile. He officiated three matches there, including the third place play off.
Later in the year, he handled two group stage matches at the Africa Cup of Nations. He had also worked at the tournament in 2024.
