Omar Artan never officiated a single game at the World Cup — and FIFA is still cutting him a full tournament cheque. A source familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that the Somali referee will receive his complete fee despite being turned away at Miami International Airport before the tournament even began.
US Customs and Border Protection flagged Artan as "inadmissible due to vetting concerns" after he flew in from Istanbul. He had a valid visa, processed through the Somalia Embassy in Kenya. None of that mattered at the border.
FIFA's hands-off position has a cost
FIFA's official stance was clean: immigration is the host government's business, not theirs. Technically true. But one of Africa's top referees — voted the continent's best male official in 2025 — sat on the sideline for a six-week World Cup because of a decision made in a customs hall, not a boardroom. Paying him out is the least FIFA could do, and they appear to know it.
The exact fee won't be confirmed until after the tournament wraps next month. For context, top-tier World Cup referees earn six-figure sums for the tournament — this isn't a symbolic gesture, it's a real payout for work Artan was never given the chance to do.
Back in Somalia, the 34-year-old was given a hero's welcome on his return. He's already pledged to be at the 2030 World Cup, primarily hosted across Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. And UEFA moved quickly — Aleksander Čeferin announced Artan would officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August, saying: "Football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."
UEFA's appointment is a statement. It's the kind of high-profile assignment that says the rest of football isn't letting a US border decision define Artan's career. The Super Cup won't be the last time you see him at the centre of a major game.
