FIFA backs Somali referee despite WC exclusion

FIFA has decided to pay the full World Cup remuneration of Somali referee Omar Artan despite his exclusion from the tournament after being denied entry into the United States.

Artan, 34, was reportedly detained and questioned by immigration officials for 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being deported over allegations of links to the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab.

The referee has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he possessed valid travel documents and a legitimate visa. He described officiating at the World Cup as the biggest dream of his career.

Following his deportation, Artan was placed on a flight to Turkey, where he received support from FIFA representatives in Istanbul before returning to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

Although he will not officiate at the tournament, FIFA has decided to award him the full payment he would have received as a World Cup referee.

Artan gained international recognition as the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final. In June 2025, he took charge of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.

TZ