Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred from entering the United States to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, will still receive his full tournament financial compensation as if he had participated.
US immigration authorities interrogated Artan for 11 hours at Miami International Airport last Monday. Following the grueling questioning, he was denied entry into the country, and both his diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were revoked.
A US government official stated that Artan was turned away due to alleged “association with suspected members of terror organizations.”
UEFA Super Cup Call-Up: A Swift Compensation
In a major turn of events, the 34-year-old official—who was crowned the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year—has been handed a prestigious European assignment. Artan has been invited to referee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
FIFA Commits to Full Salary Payout
Sources told BBC Sport that despite Artan taking no part in the tournament, FIFA has committed to paying his tournament salary in full.
Note: World Cup referees typically do not know the exact financial fee they will receive until after the tournament concludes.
Omar Artan’s Historic Refereeing Career
Artan has firmly established himself as one of Africa’s top match officials. He made history as the first Somali referee to take charge of a continental final when he officiated the second leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally, he boasts international tournament experience from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
