FIFA World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to receive full tournament fee after US entry denial
Miami, June 14
Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States, making him unable to officiate at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee, according to Reuters.
Artan, who was named Africa's Referee of the Year in 2025, was poised to become the first Somali official at football's global showpiece but was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection.
The US President Donald Trump's administration said on Tuesday that the US had denied Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to suspected members of terror organisations.
"What happened has happened, and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me," Artan told reporters after arriving in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and urged his supporters to stand behind their country, as quoted by Reuters.
"Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country," he said. "I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be," he added.
Notably, FIFA had previously announced the appointment of 52 referees and 88 assistant referees for the World Cup 2026.
Artan was later appointed by UEFA to referee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
European football's governing body said on Thursday that Artan's appointment for the Super Cup followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and is part of a recently signed cooperation agreement between the two organisations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is just another example of America's overreaching security measures. Artan was a respected referee with international experience. Denying him entry based on "suspected links" without concrete evidence is wrong. Glad FIFA stepped up. The World Cup is supposed to bring people together, not keep them out.
What a bittersweet story. On one hand, FIFA's gesture is commendable. On the other, the US handled this poorly. Artan's statement about standing with his country despite the setback is inspiring. Shows true patriotism. And getting the UEFA Super Cup gig is a big deal! 👏
I feel for the man. He must have dreamed of officiating at the World Cup. But honestly, the way he handled it with grace and dignity says a lot about his character. FIFA and UEFA should work together more often—this cooperation agreement is a positive step. India could learn from how they handle compensation for workers' losses.
While I sympathize with Artan, I think we need to see the bigger picture. The US has every right to control its borders. If there were concerns about his contacts, they have to act. But FIFA handling the financial side is good. Let's see if UEFA's Super Cup appointment is a permanent opportunity or just PR move.
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