FIFA to Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full World Cup Fee

Omar Artan Deni, a Somali referee, will receive the full tournament fee from FIFA for the World Cup, despite being interrogated for 11 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport. He was denied entry into the United States due to alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organizations.

Artan stated he had no knowledge of such organizations and had the appropriate visa documentation. After being sent back to Turkey, he received assistance from FIFA officials at the Istanbul airport.

Although he will not participate in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary, although the exact amount remains undisclosed. Artan has been invited to officiate at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men's Referee Year event in Paris, Saint-Germain, Austria, on August 12, 2025.

The 34-year-old expressed gratitude to his country and vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup, marking a significant milestone for Somali referees.