FIFA to pay full fee to Somali ref denied US entry for World Cup (opens original article in a new tab)

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, denied U.S. entry for the 2026 World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee from FIFA.

• Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup due to immigration issues
• FIFA confirmed he will receive full tournament fee despite not officiating
• Artan was the first Somali referee selected for a World Cup and faced vetting concerns over alleged terrorist ties
• FIFA stated immigration decisions are handled by host nations, not the organization.