Somali referee Artan to receive full World Cup fee despite U.S. entry denial

Omar Atarn

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will receive his full World Cup remuneration despite being denied entry into the United States, a development that prevented him from making history at football’s biggest tournament.
Artan, who was selected to officiate at the World Cup and was poised to become the first Somali referee to take charge of matches at the global showpiece, was refused entry by U.S. authorities.
The Trump administration said the decision was based on alleged links to “suspected members of terror organizations.”
Although the decision ended his hopes of participating in the tournament, a source familiar with the matter disclosed that FIFA has committed to paying Artan his full tournament fee, despite his inability to officiate any matches.
The setback came as a major disappointment for the 2025 African Referee of the Year, whose rise through the ranks had been celebrated across the continent.
However, the Somali official returned home to a hero’s welcome, with many praising his achievements and resilience in the face of adversity.
Artan’s reputation on the international stage has remained intact. In a significant vote of confidence, UEFA appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
The appointment ensures that while Artan’s World Cup dream was cut short, he remains among the most highly regarded referees in world football and continues to break new ground for Somali football on the international stage.