World football governing body FIFA has taken an exceptional decision regarding the compensation of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after his World Cup participation was disrupted by his denial of entry into the United States, sources familiar with the matter said.
The 34-year-old was deported after an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials in Miami, preventing him from taking part in the tournament, where he had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup.
FIFA customarily pays match officials at the conclusion of a World Cup based on their involvement, but Artan’s case is understood to have been treated as exceptional due to the circumstances surrounding his absence.
Artan had been widely viewed as a landmark appointment for Somali football development after being selected for the tournament.
Since the incident, he has received backing from across the football community. European football governing body UEFA has appointed him to officiate the Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
Artan was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, further raising expectations ahead of his World Cup debut.
Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by expanded US travel restrictions introduced under former President Donald Trump’s immigration measures.
