FIFA to pay barred referee Omar Artan full World Cup fee despite US travel snub | OneFootball

Somalian referee Omar Artan will still receive his full FIFA payment for the 2026 World Cup, despite being unable to take part in the tournament.

Artan is in line to pocket the previously agreed ‘five-figure’ World Cup fee in full after being denied entry into the United States.

The 34-year-old official had been selected as one of the Confederation of African Football’s representatives for the World Cup and was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.

His appointment was celebrated as a significant achievement for both Somalia and African football, but Artan’s World Cup dream was cut short after arriving in Miami earlier this week.

US immigration authorities questioned him for approximately 11 hours before denying him entry into the country.

His diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were ultimately rejected, preventing him from participating in the competition.

The decision led to an uproar, prompting calls for FIFA to step in and help resolve the situation.

However, the governing body later confirmed that Artan would not be allowed to join the tournament and that the decision would stand.

That verdict led to a different call for Artan to be fully compensated, and FIFA has reportedly agreed to honour its financial commitment to him.

Artan will now receive the payment he would have earned for being selected for the World Cup, even though he will not officiate any matches.

Referees chosen for the World Cup are expected to be well paid, with top officials likely to receive north of £75,000 ($100,000).

However, the exact amount varies with the number of matches they oversee and how far they advance in the competition.

FIFA also provides a basic payment to all selected referees, with additional bonuses available for those appointed to knockout-stage fixtures.

The opportunity to work deep into the tournament is often one of the biggest rewards for referees, both professionally and financially.

Officials are assessed throughout the competition and could be rewarded for doing well by being appointed to oversee high-profile fixtures in the knockout stage.