Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Sunday, June 14, 2026, 3:05 p.m. / Updated Sunday, June 14, 2026, 3:05 p.m.
Referee Omar Artan, 34, was denied entry to the United States following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials at Miami International Airport.
Artan had arrived in Florida with high hopes of representing Somalia on soccer's biggest stage. However, his trip was cut short when US authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa, leading to his immediate deportation.
FIFA stands by Omar Artan and pays him even if he will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, FIFA officials provided assistance to the referee during his transit through Istanbul before returning home to Mogadishu. And not only that!
As the BBC reports, in a significant show of support, the Zurich-based forum has confirmed that Omar Artan will receive his full tournament salary, even though he will not officiate any of the final tournament matches.
Although referees are usually paid after the World Cup ends, FIFA has taken steps to ensure that the Somali official will not suffer financially due to travel complications that ended his dream prematurely.
Omar Artan: “I had the necessary documents and everything. I had the necessary visa”
The details of the exclusion of the Somali referee have sparked intense discussion within the football community. United States government officials claimed that Artan was denied entry because of alleged “association with members of terrorist organizations.”
He was held at the airport for 11 hours while border officials questioned him about potential links to the Al Shabab militant group. Artan vehemently denied any such links and expressed his pain over the situation.
“I had the necessary documents and everything. I had the necessary visa,” explained Artan. “I am simply a referee trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to take part in the World Cup.”
Omar Artan, a highly regarded referee in African football
Despite the failure in North America, the Somali is one of the most respected officials in African football. He had an excellent 2025, being named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referee of the Year. His record includes important assignments such as the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
His international experience is extensive, having officiated matches at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, including the prestigious third-place play-off. Artan also played an important role in the African Cup of Nations in both 2024 and 2025.
