Africa-Press. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will receive his full compensation from the tournament.
The Trump administration stated that the United States prevented Artan from entering the World Cup due to his alleged connections to “members suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations.”
A source familiar with the matter indicated that although Artan will not participate in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary. Artan, who was named the best African referee of 2025, was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at the global football tournament, but he was denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Artan was interrogated for 11 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday before being informed of his entry denial after his diplomatic passport and one-time U.S. entry visa were rejected.
Artan stated, “I had the necessary documents and everything. I had the correct visa.” He added, “I am just a referee trying to achieve my dream, the biggest dream of my life, which is to participate in the World Cup.”
After being returned to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu. However, he returned home to a hero’s welcome, while he was appointed by UEFA to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
The 34-year-old Artan, who thanked “his people and country” after his reception at home, pledged to participate in officiating matches at the 2030 World Cup. The year 2025 was unforgettable for Artan, as he became the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final.
In June 2025, he officiated the second leg of the African Champions League final, where Pyramids FC defeated Mamelodi Sundowns. FIFA appointed Artan to officiate at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, where he officiated three matches, including the third-place playoff. By the end of the year, he officiated two matches in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously officiated matches in the same tournament in 2024.
