FIFA To Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full 2026 World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Denial

FIFA To Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full 2026 World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Denial

Sampson Adedeji 

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his complete tournament fee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup even though he will not officiate any matches after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA has confirmed, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Artan, who had been selected as one of the match officials for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was reportedly unable to enter the U.S., forcing him to miss the event entirely.

According to sources familiar with the matter, FIFA has decided to honour the full compensation package for the Somali official despite his absence. 

Referees selected for the World Cup are normally paid according to a fixed FIFA compensation structure, with final amounts confirmed only after the tournament concludes.

The decision ensures Artan does not face financial hardship due to circumstances outside his control.

 His non-participation represents a setback for Somali football, as he was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

FIFA has not publicly detailed the exact reasons for the entry denial or the precise payment amount, which remains confidential under the organisation’s standard referee remuneration policies.