FIFA to Pay Referee Omar Artan Despite World Cup Expulsion

One of the earliest controversies of the FIFA World Cup has centered not on the pitch, but on Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan.

Despite being denied entry into the United States and missing out on officiating at the tournament, FIFA has confirmed that Artan will receive his full salary.

Artan, who held a valid visa and official FIFA accreditation, was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being refused entry. U.S. officials claimed security checks revealed ‘unfavorable information, including links to suspected members of terrorist organizations.’

Artan has strongly denied the allegations.

Sources told the BBC that referees are typically paid after the tournament concludes, meaning the exact figure remains undisclosed. However, FIFA’s decision ensures Artan will not suffer financially from the incident.

The setback has not halted his career momentum. UEFA has appointed Artan to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, a move widely interpreted as a vote of confidence in his professionalism.

Back home in Somalia, Artan was greeted as a national hero. Crowds gathered at Mogadishu’s airport to celebrate his return, honoring what would have been a historic milestone: he was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.