Artan to receive full World Cup payment despite missing tournament action

Somali referee Omar Artan will still receive his full World Cup tournament fee despite being unable to take part in the competition after he was denied entry into the United States.

A person familiar with the situation confirmed that Artan remains entitled to payment, although the final amount will be determined after the tournament concludes next month.

The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

A major blow before the tournament began

Artan arrived in Miami from Istanbul last week expecting to join the group of officials preparing for the nearly six-week global tournament.

Instead, the 34-year-old referee was refused entry at Miami International Airport.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Artan was considered “inadmissible due to vetting concerns.”

The decision prevented one of football’s most respected officials from participating in the tournament despite his previous approval to travel.

According to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the application, Artan had originally been issued a visa for entry into the United States.

One of Africa’s finest officials

The setback was particularly significant given Artan’s standing in world football.

He was recognized as Africa’s best male referee in 2025 and had established himself as one of the sport’s leading match officials.

His World Cup appointment represented another major milestone in a career built on consistency and professionalism.

However, FIFA confirmed that it was not involved in immigration decisions and that entry approval remained the responsibility of the host nation.

As a result, the governing body said Artan would not be able to complete training requirements or officiate matches at the tournament.

FIFA confirms financial support

Although Artan never stepped onto the field during the competition, FIFA’s position is that he will still be compensated.

The payment structure will be finalized once the tournament ends.

The decision ensures that his absence from the competition does not erase his status as one of the officials selected for football’s biggest stage.

Artan returned to Somalia last week, where he received a hero’s welcome after the disappointment.

Rather than allowing the experience to define him, he looked ahead to the future.

The referee expressed his intention to return to the World Cup stage in 2030, when the tournament will be primarily hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

He has also received recognition from European football authorities, with Artan appointed to officiate one of the continent’s showcase matches, the UEFA Super Cup in August.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s abilities and emphasized football’s role in bringing people together.

“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills,” Čeferin said.

A setback, but not the end

Artan’s World Cup journey ended before it began.

But his reputation remains intact.

A denied entry did not erase his achievements, his recognition, or his place among football’s top referees.

For Artan, the next major stage may already be waiting.