Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose chance to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended when US authorities denied him entry, will still receive the full payment planned for match officials. A BBC report indicated FIFA chose to provide the compensation even though the 34-year-old took no part in the event. Officials learn their final pay only after the tournament finishes. Artan had arrived in Miami for a pre-tournament referees camp. He underwent roughly 11 hours of questioning at the border before being refused admission. He carried a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa issued for the World Cup. Artan stated he had met all requirements before travel and thought his papers were complete.
